Authorities Claim no damage in Mitha Khari Check Dam; Leakage in Protection Wall of PS Mitha Khari Detected

Vikramaditya & John Wilbert
Port Blair, June 09: Reports of water leakage from the Mitha Khari Check Dam area in social media have raised concerns in South Andaman region but later Andaman Sheekha team found that leakage was actually detected in the protection wall of Mitha Khari Gram Panchayat, which is situated adjacent to the Mitha Khari Check Dam.
According to available information, the check dam had been constructed long ago near Mitha Khari Panchayat in the vicinity of the nearby Nallah. While the check dam itself remains in perfect shape, heavy rainfall last night resulted in excessive water accumulation and subsequent overflow, exerting tremendous pressure on the dam. As a consequence, the protection wall of the gram panchayat on the right side of the check dam developed a leak, allowing water to seep through to the other side. In videos and photos ,shared in social media it appears as the Mitha Khari Check Dam has developed leakage.
Upon identifying the issue, the district administration, along with the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Mitha Khari Gram Panchayat, promptly initiated measures to address the situation. Bags filled with earth were strategically placed along the affected area of the protection wall to block the leak. The efforts continued until 5:30 PM yesterday, successfully halting the leakage.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr. Mohd. Shafiq, the Pradhan of Mitha Khari Gram Panchayat, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the district administration and the APWD. He also acknowledged the continuous efforts of the district officials, the general public, and the workers from Mitha Khari Panchayat. As a temporary solution, the leakage has been effectively controlled; however, Shafiq emphasized the need for more sustainable measures to permanently address the issue. This could include the installation of gabions or other appropriate actions to prevent further damage to the protection wall of the gram panchayat.
Meanwhile, talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily officials of APWD assured that the Check Dam did not suffer any damages. He said that due to heavy rainfall the protection wall Pachayat witnesses some leakage and we are working on it.