Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 4: The administration has been directed to prepare in advance for possible drinking-water shortages during the summer after the Andaman and Nicobar Islands received 27% less monsoon rainfall this year, affecting the water level at Dhanikhari Dam. Lt. Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma issued the direction on Saturday during a visit to the dam, where he reviewed its current water storage position.
Dr. Dinesh Sharma asked all concerned departments to draw up a concrete action plan well before the period from March to May. The exercise is aimed at ensuring that the general public does not face a shortage of drinking water during the summer.
Officials briefed the Lt. Governor on the impact of the rainfall deficit on the dam’s water level during the inspection. Following the assessment, he directed the departments concerned to take advance measures rather than wait for the onset of the water-scarcity period.
Alongside the existing water position, the administration is pursuing projects intended to increase supply. Commissioner-cum-Secretary (APWD) Dr. Sachin Shinde informed Dr. Dinesh Sharma that work on the Rutland Phase-II Water Project was progressing at a fast pace in accordance with his directions.
The Rutland Phase-II project is scheduled for completion by December 2026 and is expected to add 1 MLD to the water supply after it becomes operational.
Work is also underway to connect the water pipeline from Burmanallah to Jhunjhun Nallah. Once completed, the pipeline project will enable an additional 5 MLD of water supply to Islanders.
The directions at Dhanikhari Dam place immediate focus on preparedness for the forthcoming March-May period, while the ongoing projects are expected to add capacity to the water supply system after their completion.
Dr. Dinesh Sharma was accompanied during the visit by senior officials, including Dr. Sachin Shinde, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (APWD); Purva Garg, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman; Shweta K. Sugathan, Superintendent of Police (Security); and Prijit Rekh, Chief Engineer, APWD, along with other senior officers of the Public Works Department.
