This approach paper by the CGWB on water quality issues in islands  (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep) includes a detailed and comprehensive account of the basic information pertaining to each group of islands separately such as administrative set-up, population, climate and also the technical aspects like geomorphology, geological and hydrogeological conditions.

The CGWB has been engaged in carrying out hydrogeological and geophysical studies apart from groundwater exploration and artificial recharge & conservation studies in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands since the past few decades. It has also carried out intensive studies specially to solve the chronic water supply problem to Port Blair city which has the bulk of population and activities, through inter-island transfer of spring water.

The report will be of help for island development and would serve as a guide for taking necessary remedial measures for improving the water quality and availability in the islands. Some of the recommendations include –

• Detailed hydro-geological and geophysical studies are required for proper understanding of the saline-fresh water interface behavior and management of the groundwater resource.
• The need for harvesting and extraction of rainwater on a scientific basis is very essential.
• Roof top rainwater harvesting can provide reliable freshwater during major part of the year. Sloping roofs of Galvanised Iron sheets are common throughout the islands. The rainfall on the roof top can be channelized and stored in tanks for use. The advantage is that the tanks would get filled and re-filled a number of times during the rainy season.
• Rainwater harvesting should be mandatory for all future civil constructions.
• Individual and community roof top rainwater harvesting is an ideal decentralized system of providing safe drinking water. Full advantage needs to be taken of the good rainfall the islands receive.
• There is a need for generating awareness and capacity building of community towards healthy living conditions by promoting eco-sanitation, rainwater harvesting, water conservation, recycling and re-use on a large scale.
• The Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) water treatment technology successfully implemented at Kavaratti in Lakshadweep island can be replicated in other islands.
• As the shallow, thin floating lens of groundwater is easily prone to contamination, efforts for proper sewage disposal are to be given top priority.

Download the report here: