Enhanced Water Storage Capacity Expected to Solve Water Requirements for Next 20 Years

Port Blair, Jan 1: Suneeti Singh, the First Lady of the Islands today inaugurated the Dhanikhari Dam water project at a simple function held at the site today. A plaque was unveiled by the Suneeti Singh, in presence of the Lt. Governor to inaugurate the dam after its height was raised by 5 mtrs.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor, A. K. Singh complimented the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) for achieving this important engineering feat. He also extended his ‘New Year’ greetings to the people of the Islands and dwelt at length on various issues pertaining to the Islands.

On the issue of water supply, the LG spoke on various challenges faced by the Islanders, such as connectivity, education and health, infrastructure and employment opportunities for the youth. He also called upon all the government officials, PRIs and others for developing a work culture wherein every individual can set an objective and strive to achieve the same. “We should work with the motto “without fear or favour’, he said.

In his address, B. P. Ray, Member of Parliament said that Dhanikhari water project is a befitting ‘New Year’ gift by APWD to the residents of Port Blair. He urged APWD to take up more such projects for the benefit of the people. 

K. Ganeshan, Chairperson (PBMC) said that with the enhancement of the storage capacity of Dhanikhari Dam, water scarcity faced in the Port Blair town during the summer seasons will be resolved for a long time. He also highlighted the various projects initiated by the Municipal Council for the development of the city and for creating basic facilities and amenities for the city dwellers and thanked the Lt Governor for his efforts and initiatives.     

Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others, Punya Salila Srivastava, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (APWD) said that the raising of height of the Dhanikhari Dam is an engineering feat taken up by NHPC in association with APWD. With the enhancement of the water storage capacity up to 8555 ml in the dam, water requirements of the Port Blair city will be solved for the next 20 years, she said. She added that APWD is also working on other alternate sources of water and all the projects will be completed in a time bound manner.

 

The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri D. Balaji, Superintendent Engineer (APWD).  Chief Secretary, Anand Prakash, Adhyaksha Zilla Parishad (SA), Chairperson (SSWB), public representatives and senior officers of the A&N Administration were present.