Port Blair Nov 2: As the fragile island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar faces mounting pressure on its limited freshwater sources, experts are calling for intensified efforts to identify and develop new groundwater potential zones — the invisible lifeline beneath the archipelago’s surface.
In a bid to strengthen the Islands’ water security, the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Eastern Region, Kolkata, conducted a one-day specialized training on “Ground Water Monitoring System in Andaman & Nicobar Islands” at Sri Vijaya Puram on October 29. The programme brought together field engineers from the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) for a practical, data-driven exercise aimed at establishing a robust and standardized groundwater monitoring framework for the territory.
Dr. Anadi Gayen, Regional Director, CGWB, who mentored the programme and delivered the keynote address, emphasized the urgent need to locate, assess, and preserve groundwater sources across the Islands to ensure sustainable supply for the growing population.
The inaugural session was graced by Er. T. K. Prijith Rekh, Chief Engineer, APWD, as chief guest, alongside Dr. Arun Kumar, Superintending Engineer (Planning), and senior officials from CGWB. Over 100 engineers participated in person, with an additional 50 joining virtually from remote islands, underlining the scale and relevance of the mission.
The technical sessions delved into advanced groundwater-level monitoring, water-quality assessment, and real-time data acquisition systems (RTDAS). A special module on geophysics demonstrated how resistivity-based surveys can help identify new aquifers and diagnose declining water yields — an area of growing concern across the Islands.
In the concluding session, CGWB scientists and APWD representatives resolved to collaborate on mapping unexplored groundwater pockets, creating shared data systems, and building localized recharge structures to augment freshwater reserves.
Experts agreed that the way forward lies in expanding scientific exploration beyond known sources and applying modern tools to uncover hidden aquifers — a move that could significantly boost the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ self-reliance in water management.
