Sri Vijaya Puram | January 21, 2026
Amid a significant shortfall in rainfall during the ongoing North East Monsoon, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has appealed to citizens, institutions and commercial establishments to adopt urgent water conservation measures to avoid a drinking water crisis in the coming months.
According to the Administration, the deficit in rainfall is expected to adversely affect reservoir storage levels, groundwater recharge and surface water sources, which could impact the availability of potable water across the islands.
With the situation turning increasingly critical, the Administration has urged the public to reduce non-essential use of water and to follow responsible consumption practices. Citing World Health Organization (WHO) standards, it stated that an average of 55 litres per capita per day (LPCD) is sufficient to meet basic household needs. In view of the prevailing scarcity, residents have been advised to use potable water mainly for essential purposes such as drinking, cooking and basic hygiene.
To promote conscious water usage, the Administration has also encouraged households to conduct a “water audit” to assess daily water consumption at the individual and family level. This exercise, officials said, would help identify areas where water use can be reduced and lead to more sustainable consumption habits. A simple format covering activities such as drinking, cooking, bathing, washing utensils and others, flushing/sanitation and washing clothes has been suggested for this purpose.
| Sl. No. | Activities | Consumption (Individually) | Consumption (full family) |
| 1. | Drinking | ||
| 2. | Cooking | ||
| 3. | Bathing | ||
| 4. | Washing Utensils & others | ||
| 5. | Flushing / Sanitation | ||
| 6. | Washing cloth & Other | ||
| 7. | Overall | Less than 55 LPCD |
Emphasising the importance of collective responsibility, the Administration said that careful monitoring and mindful use of water can help conserve critical resources and ensure equitable distribution during the dry period ahead. ‘Every drop saved today will have a profound impact on ensuring equitable water distribution in the months ahead,’ it noted.
The Administration said it is closely monitoring the situation and reiterated that public cooperation is vital to managing the emerging water crisis. Citizens have been requested to strictly follow the conservation guidelines and actively participate in water audits to help safeguard the islands’ water resources, according to a press release issued by the APWD.
