Facing mounting pressure on limited freshwater resources, the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) has intensified its outreach efforts to promote water conservation across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, emphasizing that public participation is critical to ensuring long-term water security. As part of these efforts, APWD organized a Water Concert under the theme “Every Drop Counts,” using cultural expression to communicate the urgency of responsible water use.
Despite being surrounded by the sea, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands depend on fragile and finite freshwater sources. Officials note that rapid urbanization, changing consumption patterns, and the growing impact of climate change have significantly strained water availability, making conservation an immediate priority for sustainable development and public well-being.
APWD has been implementing a series of infrastructure-focused initiatives to strengthen water supply systems across both urban and rural areas of the islands. These measures include promoting rainwater harvesting, expanding water storage capacity, and improving efficiency and equity in water distribution networks. However, the department has stressed that infrastructure upgrades alone are insufficient to address the challenge.
According to APWD, lasting water security can only be achieved through increased public awareness, community involvement, and responsible individual behavior. The Water Concert was conceived as a platform to bridge this gap by engaging citizens beyond conventional awareness campaigns.
The programme used music and cultural performances to convey key conservation messages, encouraging residents to adopt practical water-saving habits in daily life. These included fixing leaking taps, minimizing wastage, reusing water where feasible, protecting natural water bodies, and embracing water-efficient practices at homes and workplaces. The slogan “Jab Jal Rahega Tabhi Toh Hamara Kal Rahega” underscored the link between water conservation and the islands’ future sustainability.
The event drew participation from the Special Secretary of the Public Works Department, councillors of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, and a large cross-section of the general public. A water conservation pledge was administered during the programme, reinforcing the collective responsibility of citizens toward safeguarding freshwater resources. A signature campaign was also conducted, allowing participants to formally express their commitment to responsible water use.
Officials highlighted that the Water Concert was not merely an awareness event but part of a broader strategy to embed conservation values within the community. By combining infrastructure development with behavioral change initiatives, APWD aims to reduce long-term stress on freshwater systems and build resilience against future climate-related challenges.
The department reiterated that water is a shared natural heritage and that conserving it is an obligation owed to future generations. Sustained awareness, collective action, and continued institutional support, officials said, are essential to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring water security in the islands.
APWD concluded the programme with a renewed call for public cooperation, reinforcing the message that protecting water resources today is vital for preserving the environmental and social fabric of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
