The Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), under the A&N Administration, conducted a training program for Master Trainers at the Chief Engineer’s Office, APWD, aimed at raising water conservation awareness among school students.
The program saw participation from one teacher representing each government and private school in the headquarters area. Assistant Engineer Jose P John welcomed the attendees and outlined the objectives of the training, emphasizing that children are effective ambassadors for spreading awareness about water conservation, both in schools and in their communities.
“When children are taught the importance of conserving water, they naturally share the message, creating a ripple effect throughout society,” Jose stated.
Superintending Engineer (Planning) Dr. Arun Kumar delivered a PowerPoint presentation highlighting critical issues related to water usage and practical conservation steps. He introduced teachers to various formats for conducting water audits and distributed simplified water auditing templates to enable students to gather data on water usage in schools and homes.
Dr. Arun encouraged teachers to integrate water-saving practices into daily school routines, including short talks during morning assemblies, noting that small, consistent actions can significantly impact water conservation.
The training concluded with participant Sudha Dixit from GMS Corbyn’s Cove summarizing the key takeaways. She expressed her commitment to guide students in conducting water audits and adopting practical water conservation measures in their daily lives.
The Public Grievance Officer, in closing remarks, thanked the Director of Education and heads of educational institutions for supporting the initiative and allowing teachers to participate, highlighting the importance of institutional backing in such programs.
APWD officials noted that empowering educators as Master Trainers is a vital step in promoting sustainable water management practices among younger generations. By equipping teachers with the tools and knowledge to conduct water audits and instill conservation habits, the program aims to foster long-term behavioral change in communities.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to raise awareness of water sustainability in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, engaging both educators and students in practical solutions for conserving freshwater resources.
With the completion of this training, APWD seeks to create a network of informed teachers who can act as catalysts for spreading water conservation practices across schools and households, ensuring responsible water use and promoting environmental stewardship among future generations.
