Port Blair, May 10: The CPI (M) has demanded to provide sufficient and regular piped water supply to the residents of Middle Andaman areas.  In a letter sent to the Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee informed that piped water is being supplied to the residents of many Gram Panchayats in Middle Andaman only once in three days, that too only for 25 minutes. The worst affected areas are the four Gram Panchayats of Padmanabhapuram, Basantipur, Swadesh Nagar and Harinagar.  He stated in the letter that people in the above areas are running from one place to other to fetch water during this summer season as the authorities have failed to provide sufficient water to these areas.  

Shri Ayyappan informed the Chief Secretary that the scarcity of piped water started about 3 – 4 months back, even before the onset of summer, and since then the residents of Middle Andaman particularly those residing in the above-said 4 Gram Panchayats are facing hardship to get water.  

CPI (M) stated that the authorities concerned have not come up with any reason for the acute scarcity of piped water despite taking up the matter with them reportedly by the residents and elected representatives. There is an immediate need to have alternative arrangements to provide sufficient piped water to the residents of Middle Andaman.  CPI (M) Secretary said that it has also been reported that there has been regular pipe burst in the water supply line, causing short supply of water or interruption in the line of concerned areas. 

Shri D.Ayyappan requested the Chief Secretary to look into this matter personally and direct the authorities in the North & Middle Andaman District to ensure that sufficient piped water is supplied to the residents of Middle Andaman especially to the four Gram Panchayats mentioned above as the residents of the area have been facing difficulties to get water for the last few months.