Port Blair, Sept. 19: “There were unexpected delays in the Dhannikhari Dam Height Raising Project, which had held up the project for nearly one and a half years”, said the Chief Engineer, APWD Shri P.K. Singh.

Addressing the media during a press conference held at the Conference Hall of APWD, the Chief Engineer explained that with the completion of the project, water crisis of Port Blair city will be solved for the next 15-20 years.

The present capacity of Dhannikhari Dam is 4370 Million Liters which will be increased to 7730 Million Liters, after the project completion. With the 5 meter height increase of the dam, the dam which is presently 60.5 meters will be 65.5 meters. The project is expected to be completed by June 2013, he said.

Explaining the delay in executing the project, PK Singh said that the Height Raising Project was sanctioned in 2008 and the task was given to NHPC Ltd. An MoU was signed between APWD and NHPC soon after the sanction but NHPC had delayed it for almost a year. They finally awarded the tender to M/s Bridge and Construction Ltd. Kolkata to raise the height of the dam to 5 meters.

The CE further explained that it was later while the project was being executed that a suggestion was given by CWPRS to have three gates instead of the existing two gates in the dam. This was suggested to reduce the load on the gates with the increase in the height of the dam and also keeping in mind the series of earthquakes experienced during 2004 after tsunami. Adding another gate has further delayed the work which was expected to complete by November this year.

Another reason for the delay in the project was the shortage of stone aggregate especially after the explosive haul case, Shri PK Singh said. To overcome the shortage, instructions were given to get stone aggregates and other material required from mainland, which were brought in sufficient quantity.

The Chief Engineer also explained that in order to reduce the pressure on Dhannikhari Dam, the APWD has explored other water sources in different parts of South Andaman. Water treatment plants have also been installed in these sources. With this not only the pressure on Dhannikhari Dam was reduced but APWD was successful in supplying treated water in the South Andaman areas.

Explaining further about Rutland Water Project, the Chief Engineer said that maximum work has been accomplished. The final task is to lay the underwater pipe line, which is being done in consultation with NIOT.

“There are 9 springs in Rutland Island. Our task was to integrate the springs for which environmental clearance had to be taken. We were later given clearance on certain conditions which included no underground pipe laying etc. After all the barriers, we were successful in integrating the water sources. Pipelines have also been laid from Pongi Balu to Dhannikhari”, Singh said.

He further said that the APWD had still doubts on the pipeline from Pongi Balu to Dhannikhari, which was later tested and satisfied in January this year when the city experienced crises.

Regarding construction of Bunds the Chief Engineer said that the APWD is proceeding with three works, which is expected to complete by March 2013. Few other Bunds viz. Sippighat Sweet Water Lake has been held up and there is some objections from Agriculture department at Namunaghar. A total of 14.1 Crore has been sanctioned to APWD to complete the work.

Giving a pinch to the explanation, the Chief Engineer APWD, Shri PK Singh said, there is no much difference between demand and supply as posed by PBMC.

“I agree that there is a shortfall of 10% between the demand and supply, which will be rectified with the height raising project of Dhannikhari dam. The APWD is trying its best to serve the people, but ultimately all blames are put on our shoulders even if the work does not belong to the department. At present PBMC is supposed to pay Rs. 27.5 Crores as due for water that is being supplied by APWD”, added the CE.