Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 18 March 2023
The Deputy Commissioner, North and Middle Andaman, Shri Ankit Yadav, IAS held a meeting with PRIs of Rangat Sub-Division in the Conference Hall of Administrative Block along with DFO, Middle Andaman, Shri Abdul Qayum IFS, AC ,Rangat, Ms. Sapna Priya, DSP ,Rangat ,Shri Vishesh Datrival, Pramukh, Rangat ,Ms Sita Majhi and Executive Engineer, APWD regarding the augmentation and strengthening of water supply along with identifying new sources as was directed by the Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands during his visit to Middle Andaman.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner welcomed the gathering and invited everyone to highlight various issues pertaining to the present water supply system along with identification of new water sources.
The Deputy Commissioner took note of the grievances and suggestions made by the public representatives regarding the present and future need of water resource in the Sub-Division. The public representatives raised various issues like desilting the existing check dams, identification of new and untapped sources of water and catchment areas and repairing the existing dams and pipelines, for smooth supply of water to the general public.
Acknowledging the demands made, the Deputy Commissioner directed APWD to take up the issue of repair/replacement of the old pipelines on priority. Further, directions were given for joint survey by APWD, Forest and Revenue Department regarding the suitability of the new sources highlighted by the public representatives to augment the water supply.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed Forest Department to fast pace the clearance for the projects, in cases where forest clearances are needed. The DFO, Middle Andaman mentioned that all forest clearances would be completed in a time bound manner and also assured that all assistance in filling up the required applications would be provided to the user agencies. Further, directions were also given to the APWD and block staff for desilting of smaller check dams to ensure continuous water availability.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Assistant Commissioner to keep monitoring the status of the progress on these essential aspects. Before the meeting, a plantation drive was also carried out by the Officials and Public Representatives in front of the newly inaugurated administrative block.