A five-day disruption in water supply in Ward No. 23 (Bird Line/Lal Mitti) escalated into a road blockade and a “Jail Bharo Andolan” on Sunday, with residents demanding immediate restoration of drinking water amid intensifying summer conditions.
A large number of residents, predominantly women, gathered on the streets and confronted officials, stating they were prepared to court arrest rather than continue living without access to basic water services. The protest disrupted vehicular movement in the area for several hours before authorities intervened.
The demonstration comes against the backdrop of recurring water shortages across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where the administration has repeatedly issued advisories urging conservation due to declining reserves. Residents of Ward 23 said taps had remained dry for five consecutive days, severely affecting daily activities such as cooking, bathing, and sanitation.
Participants highlighted that a similar protest held around 20 days ago had resulted in a temporary restoration of supply, which lasted only three days before the situation reverted. The repeated disruptions have intensified frustration among residents, who say there has been no lasting solution to the issue.
Officials attributed the current crisis to significantly below-normal rainfall during the recent North-East Monsoon season. The Dhanikhari Dam, the primary water source for Port Blair and surrounding areas, has recorded its lowest rainfall levels in the past five years between November and February, leading to reduced inflows and declining storage levels.
Residents also raised concerns over what they described as unequal distribution practices. According to them, several municipal wards receive water supply every three days, while Ward 23 continues to face prolonged shortages. Allegations were also made that water tankers meant for the locality were being diverted to nearby areas such as Kamraj Nagar.
Even when water is supplied, residents claimed it remains insufficient. They reported that the flow lasts only 15 to 20 minutes, with the initial phase releasing air instead of water, followed by extremely low pressure that makes it difficult to fill even a single bucket.
During the protest, several residents told officials that if the administration could not ensure water for basic needs, they would rather be taken into custody, where access to drinking water is assured.
An Assistant Commissioner reached the site and held discussions with the protesters. The official stated that the primary local water source at Lal Mitti has dried up due to peak summer conditions, contributing to the disruption.
As an immediate measure, authorities said a borewell connection from Austinabad is in its final stage and is expected to add approximately one lakh litres to the daily supply. This is expected to improve water pressure and stabilise distribution in the affected area.
The administration also assured that water would be released through the supply lines by 3:00 PM on March 23 and that a regular supply schedule would be maintained thereafter.
Following the assurance, the protesters dispersed and cleared the road. However, local representatives warned that any failure to adhere to the promised timeline or ensure consistent water supply would trigger renewed protests on a larger scale.
