Rabindranath Biswas
Harinagar/Nov 01: The villagers of Harinagar are grappling with an acute water shortage owing to damaged pipelines and clogged Check Dams in the region. According to information, the existing water distribution pipelines maintained by the APWD have reportedly become completely damaged, resulting in leakage and insufficient water supply to the end point of the pipelines at Harinagar village.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Manojit Halder, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Harinagar said that the villagers are facing significant difficulties in getting drinking water, which is a necessity of life owing to the damaged water distribution pipelines. These pipe lines were reportedly laid about 40 years ago and have not been replaced or repaired since, and as a result, they have deteriorated significantly, the Pradhan claimed. Despite repeated requests from the villagers and the Panchayat, the APWD has reportedly failed to replace the old and damaged pipe lines with new ones, Mr. Halder further alleged. They were told by the APWD officials that owing to inadequate numbers of suitable pipes and other materials, the APWD couldn’t replace the damaged pipe lines was a reason as put forth by the officials of the concerned department, the Pradhan further said.
On the other hand, 04. Nos. of Check Dams under this Gram Panchayat which were constructed by the APWD abure 45 yeаrs ago have recently suffered serious damages with leaves from trees and earth sliding causing blockages in the dams. This has led to a reduced flow of water and has resulted in a shortage of drinking water for the villagers, the Pradhan maintained. The damaged check dams require immediate repair by clearing the blockages caused by tree leaves and earth sliding and restoration of the dams to their original condition for uninterrupted supply of water to the villagers, Mr. Halder said.
The Pradhan has recently written a letter to the Executive Engineer, NACD, APWD, Mayabunder for replacing existing distribution water pipe lines in Harinagar village and repair & maintenance of check dams situated at Jaipur village under GP Harinagar before the coming summer season thereby eliminating the crisis of drinking water in the region, Mr. Halder further added.
