Akash Minj
Campbell Bay, 16 June 2021
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, A & N Islands along with Mr. K Ganeshan, Ex-Chairperson, PBMC met Secretary, APWD and discussed major water projects proposed in the islands.
He informed the Secretary about the difficulties faced by the residents due to the water crisis in six Municipal Wards, particularly during the dry season. He also requested the Secretary, APWD for completing the repair works of pipelines damaged due to the Dairy Farm Culvert Project. The Secretary, APWD informed the MP that out of the two pipelines damaged at the culvert project site, repair work of one pipeline is already completed and repair work of another pipeline is under progress which will also be completed shortly.
Secretary APWD further informed the MP that once the work is completed residents will face no water problems. She further informed that work is progressing at a fast pace and is likely to be completed soon.
On proposed major water projects, she informed that the submarine pipeline laying work in the Rutland water supply project between Phongi Balu at Chidiya Tapu and Rut Land will start shortly as experts from mainland are expected to arrive in the islands shortly. In the same manner, works for the Flat Bay water project will also commence soon as the team of experts have already submitted their final reports and sanctions have been obtained.
She also informed that directions have been issued to various Panchayats in the islands to undertake de-silting works of various water sources, including ring wells. Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Secretary to expedite all the water projects so that the residents of the islands do not have to face water crisis in the summer months when the demand for water is more and supply is not sufficient.