Trinath & Salim Javed
Betapur, Middle Andaman, July 21: Since last three days villagers of Betapur region of Middle Andaman were facing acute water scarcity due to problem in water supply from the side of APWD. As per details, Public and PRI members continuously tried to contact the concerned JE of APWD to lodge complaint but they were told that the concerned JE is not available in office for unknown reasons.
Adding to the pain when Pradhah of the area Mr. Lorentus Barla called up Mr. Ramesh Kumar, the JE of the area, he reportedly replied very arrogantly.
Sources told Andaman Sheekha that the main problem was damage of water pipelines by NHIDCL contractors in Betapur region because of ATR upgradation works.
Therefore, finding no other way, this morning large number of people reached the JE office of Betapur and staged a protest by raising slogan against the JE and AE concerned. After nearly two hours of protest the AE, Swadeshnagar, Mr. Krishna Halder reached the site and tendered apologies for the inconvenience.
The AE further assured the protesting people thatt he is taking immediate steps to restore the situation. The AE also assured to take proper action against the concerned JE.
Based on public complaints, the AE directed the JE to remain in office to listen to the problems of public, living in the region and to take appropriate steps to solve the problems. Following assurances and request from the AE, the protest was called up. After the intervention of the AE, water supply in Betapur region was restored soon.
