Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 January 2025
In a significant recognition of their dedication to rural water supply management, three representatives from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were invited to attend the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on January 26, 2025. The invitees were specially nominated as part of the Central Government’s Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to honour their efforts in ensuring safe, sustainable, and adequate water supply to rural households.
Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to extend 100% Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) coverage in rural areas across India. The mission also empowers local Panchayati Raj Institutions, with a special focus on involving women in water supply management.
The three invitees from A&N Islands included Ms. Jyoti, Pradhan of Sippighat and Chairperson of the Village Water Sanitation Committee, Ms. Tapashi Saha, Pradhan of Chouldari, and Ms. Yasmeen, a laboratory staff member at RCD Wimberlygunj, under the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD).
Their participation was part of the Republic Day celebrations, at the invitation of the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Ms. Jyoti and Ms. Yasmeen were honored as “Water Warriors” for their outstanding contributions to the operation and maintenance of water supply schemes and water quality monitoring in their respective regions.
Ms. Jyoti is the only Pradhan in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands who operates and maintains the water supply within her panchayat, a model of success. Under her leadership, Sippighat’s water supply system has been running smoothly, benefiting the local community.
Similarly, Ms. Tapashi Saha played a crucial role in the development of ponds at Badmash Pahar and Bachra Pahar in Chouldari, which serves as major water sources for the area. Her efforts have led to the successful development of four ponds, three of which are fully operational, resolving the area’s water shortage issues. Thanks to these initiatives, Chouldari now receives regular water supply, unlike before, when it would be available only once every 4-5 days.
Ms. Yasmeen, who works in the water testing laboratory at Kamsarat Nallah under RCD Wimberlygunj, ensures rigorous monitoring of water quality in Ferrargunj Tehsil. Her tireless efforts include uploading water quality reports to the Water Quality Information Management System (WQIMS) of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The participation of these leaders at the Republic Day event has inspired other Pradhans in the region to take an active role in water asset management and raise public awareness about the importance of safe and sustainable water supply in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Their efforts are a testament to the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission in empowering local communities to manage their water resources effectively.