Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 9: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has flagged a growing water stress situation in South Andaman, citing a sharp decline in rainfall at the Dhanikhari Dam and a consequential drop in reservoir levels, and has urged residents to adopt strict water conservation measures.
The Administration acknowledged the role of residents in responsibly using water so far but warned that reduced precipitation over the past year has significantly affected water availability. Officials pointed to rainfall data from Dhanikhari, indicating a persistent deficit, particularly during the North-East Monsoon, which has directly impacted inflow into the primary reservoir serving the region.
According to official records, rainfall in November and December 2025 stood at 80 mm and 90 mm respectively, a steep decline compared to previous years. The trend of inadequate rainfall extended into early 2026, with January recording just 10 mm, February 15 mm, and March 10 mm. The cumulative rainfall for 2026 so far stands at 205 mm, markedly lower than totals recorded in preceding years, including 3,197 mm in 2025 and 2,699 mm in 2024.
The data reflects fluctuating but generally declining precipitation patterns over recent years. Total annual rainfall dropped from 3,899 mm in 2020 to 1,650 mm in 2022, before partially recovering to 3,197 mm in 2025. However, the current year’s figures indicate a renewed and significant shortfall, raising concerns over the sustainability of water supply in the coming months.
With inflow into the Dhanikhari Dam reduced and reserves under pressure, the Administration has called for collective action to manage available resources. Residents have been advised to avoid wastage, limit non-essential water use, and adopt water-saving practices in daily routines to ensure equitable distribution.
Authorities have also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any leakage or misuse within the water supply system. Timely reporting, officials said, would enable swift corrective action and help prevent avoidable losses. Complaints can be registered with the Andaman Public Works Department at 251185 or the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council at 231179.
The Administration maintained that conservation efforts at this stage are critical to sustaining supply across South Andaman. It reiterated that continued public cooperation will play a decisive role in managing the current situation and safeguarding water resources in the region.
