3rd Position in National Level

Port Blair, March 22: The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands declared A&N Islands as 100% Functional Household Tap Connection in a befitting function held in the Raj Niwas during celebration of World Water Day 2021 organised by Andaman PWD. The Islands become 3rd position in achieving 100% water coverage by fulfilling the slogan of the Govt. of India – Har Ghar Jal – Har Ghar Nal. The Hon’ble LG released a book on the use & conservation of water for school children.

The Hon’ble LG further distributed prizes to all the winners of poster, video and poetry competition conducted by ANSWSM under Jal Jeevan Mission.

The IMIS team of ANSWSM, Port Blair was also awarded with certificate lead by Shri. Shailander Singh, JE for uploading and monitoring of the data’s and completing the work on time.

On the occasion, while welcoming the Chief Guest and other distinguished guest, the Secretary (PWD), Ms. Vedita Reddy highlighted the achievement of UT under Jal Jeevan Mission a flagship scheme of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India being implemented in UT to provide 100% Functional Household Connection to all rural household in the targeted time.

She briefed on the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in UT and informed that with great co-operation of public as well as determination of executing department total 62037 Rural household has been covered. It also includes 1661 Below poverty line families to whom FHTC has been provided by Department of Rural Development. With these all 266 villages in 9 Tehsils under 3 Districts has become 100% Har Ghar Jal- Har Ghar Nal.  

UT of A&N Islands is 3rd among all States and UT to achieve this status. It is further informed that UT has already provided 100% FHTC coverage to all Schools, Anganwadi’s as well Sub-Centres and Gram Panchayats under 100 days campaign launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on occasion of release of margdarshika of Jal Jeevan Mission. Further, to ensure sustainability of efforts information education and communication campaign is being organised to highlight the need for public support to ensure safe water to all households through FHTC.

Chief secretary also detailed on importance of world water day with respect to A&N Islands and informed that with the limited water resources Administration has taken all steps to conserve water resources in various Islands. He briefed on Administration efforts to encourage household rain water harvesting and informed that sufficient fund has been allocated to ensure all Govt. buildings are covered with RWH in line with the Ministry guidelines. Similarly, UT success in the JJM has to be sustained in future by taking up various augmentation scheme.

Chief Secretary further added that due to joint effort of various department we were able to achieve the target and in the next Jal Sakhti Abhiyan the intra-department coordination will be ensured to achieve the goal.

The Secretary (RD), Shri. Sunil Anchipaka proposed the vote of thanks.