Port Blair, June 24: To promote awareness on water conservation across the country ahead of the monsoon season, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has recently written to the PRI members urging them to undertake water conservation measures in rural India. In line with the appeal of the PM on water conservation, the Andaman PWD in association with the PRIs/Ward Councilors of PBMC and the volunteers among the general public carried out an awareness programme at Dollygunj and Brichgunj ponds on June 22.

The Secretary (PWD), Shri Abhishek Dev was the chief guest of the programme. Chief Engineer, APWD, Shri D. Balaji, Superintending Engineer, PBCC, APWD, Shri A. Subramanian and Executive Engineer, PHED, APWD, Shri Jagannath Sen besides other officials and workers of APWD were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary (PWD) urged the PRI members, Ward Councilors and the general public to work together for conservation of water.

The event began with a clean up drive at Dollygunj pond, in which general public and Councilor of Ward No.19 took part actively. Similarly, in the cleanliness drive at Brichgunj pond, PRI Members, Ward Councilor and general public of Ward No.22 participated enthusiastically.

During the cleanliness drive, large quanta of aquatic weeds from the ponds were cleared and wild vegetation around the periphery of the ponds were removed to enable seamless inflow to the water bodies.      

As part of the programme, a tree plantation drive was also carried out. The Secretary (PWD), Engineers of APWD and the PRI and Councilors planted various species of saplings to mark the occasion. The Chief Engineer, APWD Shri D. Balaji while speaking, lauded the Pradhans, Ward Councilors and the general public for their enthusiastic participation.