A public awareness programme on water conservation drew residents to Bathubasti Ground as the Public Health Engineering Division (PHED) of the Andaman Public Works Department organised a “Water Concert” to highlight the importance of protecting freshwater resources in the islands.
The event, held on March 3, formed part of an awareness campaign undertaken by the administration to sensitise the public about responsible water usage. Authorities said the initiative is particularly significant in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where freshwater resources are limited and require careful management to ensure long-term sustainability.
Officials explained that water conservation has become an important priority for the administration, especially in view of increasing demand from expanding urban settlements and tourism activities. Public awareness programmes are seen as an effective way to encourage residents to adopt responsible practices that help reduce wastage and safeguard water supplies.
The Water Concert was designed as a community engagement initiative that combined awareness messaging with cultural performances. The programme featured a range of artistic presentations by local performers, including dance performances, songs and a puppet show, all centred on the theme of water conservation.
Through these performances, artists conveyed messages about the importance of saving water and avoiding unnecessary wastage in daily life. The cultural approach was intended to make the awareness campaign more engaging and accessible for audiences of all age groups.
Participants attending the event were encouraged to reflect on simple measures that households can adopt to conserve water, such as repairing leakages, reducing excessive consumption and ensuring responsible usage of water resources.
Officials said public participation is essential for the success of conservation initiatives, particularly in island ecosystems where freshwater availability is limited. Awareness programmes that involve community engagement can help foster a sense of collective responsibility among residents.
During the event, residents were also informed about the toll-free helpline numbers introduced for water supply-related issues. Authorities shared the helpline numbers 18003451666 and 03192-251185, encouraging the public to report problems such as water leakages, supply disruptions or other concerns related to water services.
Officials said prompt reporting of such issues allows the concerned authorities to take timely action and prevent unnecessary loss of water due to pipeline leaks or other technical faults.
A signature campaign was also conducted during the programme as part of the awareness initiative. Participants were invited to sign a pledge board, committing themselves to responsible water use and conservation practices.
The campaign witnessed active participation from members of the public, who signed the pledge to demonstrate their support for efforts aimed at protecting water resources for future generations.
Authorities said such symbolic activities help reinforce the message of conservation while encouraging individuals to adopt sustainable habits in their everyday lives.
The programme concluded with a collective pledge taken by participants to conserve water and contribute towards safeguarding the islands’ freshwater resources.
Officials, public representatives and members of the community were present at the event, which saw a large turnout. The administration expects that similar awareness initiatives will continue to be organised in the future to promote sustainable water management practices across the islands.
By combining cultural expression with public messaging, the Water Concert aimed to remind residents that conserving water is a shared responsibility that requires consistent efforts from both authorities and the community.
