Navneet Achari & Neeraj
Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 12 : The long-pending Guptapara Nallah Dam project has once again sparked discussion among local leaders and residents, highlighting its critical importance in addressing water scarcity and flood control in the region. South Andaman Zilla Parishad Member of Guptapara area Mr. Prakash Adhikari has emphasized the urgent need for the dam’s construction, stating that it could provide much-needed relief to Guptapara and Sri Vijaya Puram, especially during the summer months when water shortages are severe.
The project, initially started by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1992-93, was later abandoned due to technological limitations at the time. However, with modern advancements in engineering and water management, Mr. Adhikari believes that the project can now be successfully completed. He pointed out that the absence of a dam leads to massive water wastage, as millions of gallons flow into the sea every year instead of being conserved for public use.
During a site visit last year, former Chief Secretary had inspected the location and directed immediate action on the project. However, despite repeated appeals and administrative discussions, no significant progress has been made. The lack of a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) and environmental clearance are cited as major hurdles, but Mr. Adhikari insists that these are administrative issues that can be resolved with proper coordination.
Beyond water conservation, the absence of the dam has also led to severe flooding in surrounding villages during monsoon seasons. Residents have reported repeated instances of homes and agricultural lands being submerged due to unchecked water flow. The natural depth of the Nallah (stream) has diminished due to years of silt accumulation, further worsening the situation. Farmers in the region have struggled with crop losses, and villagers frequently face infrastructure damage, including the closure of pump houses that supply drinking water to the area.
Mr. Adhikari also highlighted the region’s dependency on Redland for water supply, stating that a second pipeline should have been installed to prevent potential crises in case of damage. He urged the administration to explore alternative solutions, such as improving pipeline infrastructure and reviving abandoned projects like the Guptapara Nallah Dam.
Despite multiple representations and appeals in past, including efforts by Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the project remains stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Mr. Adhikari expressed frustration that recommendations from the District Planning Committee (DPC) and Gram Sabha are often overlooked in state planning discussions. He urged the administration to prioritize grassroots-level proposals, ensuring that critical infrastructure projects receive the attention they deserve.
As water shortages and flood risks continue to affect thousands of residents, the delay in constructing the Guptapara Nallah Dam remains a glaring example of administrative inefficiency, he added.
