DR. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute Of Water And Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India in collaboration with Andaman Public works department (APWD) is organising a five-day Residential Training programme on Operation and Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for Engineers (JEs) and Assistant Engineers (AEs) from 24th February to 28th February 2025.
Recognising the challenges faced due to poor Operation and Maintenance (O&M) practices, the course focuses on equipping engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address critical issues such as system inefficiencies, non-revenue water (NRW), energy consumption, and inadequate community engagement.
This training module is scheduled to be conducted in all other states/UTs in a phased manner. Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Andman and Nicobar Islands has graced the Inaugural Session as Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary emphasised on the importance of training and capacity building of the field engineers to ensure the sustainability of the water supply schemes. He added that lots of work on supply management is done and now it is essential to work on the demand side management.
The objective of the training course is to enhance the operational and managerial capacities of Junior Engineers (JEs) and Assistant Engineers (AEs) of the Andaman & Nicobar administration in managing water supply schemes effectively. The contents of this training programme are designed by a team of experts from SPM NIWAS as per the requirements of the Andaman & Nicobar islands in discussion with the APWD officials covering the following topics:-
- Water Supply Systems and Challenges in Andaman & Nicobar Island.
- Safe Drinking Water: BIS Standards and Sample Collection Frequency.
- Operation and Maintenance of Surface Water-Based Schemes in Andaman & Nicobar, Spring Source, Sand filters, pressure filters and various components
- Distribution management and maintenance.
- Practical Strategies for Reducing Water loss/ Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in Andaman & Nicobar.
- Citizen Service Delivery and grievance redressal and community engagement in water management.
- Financial Planning of Operation and management of Rural Water supply.
Shri Priyatu Mandal, IAS, JS Cum Director & Head, SPM NIWAS joined virtually the inaugural session. In his online address, Shri Priyatu Mandal mentioned that SPM NIWAS is a premier institute dedicated to advancing knowledge and capacity in the water and sanitation sectors. Further, he added that the
Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary RD, Mr. Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi,IAS, Secretary , PBMC, Mohd. Ishfaq,(Retd. IAS), Adviser, SPM NIWAS, Shri T.K.Prijith Ray, Chief Engineer, APWD, Vinay Harswal, Nodal Officer, SPM NIWAS and Abirami Devdas, Principal Scientist, ICCW were present during the inaugural Session.
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Dhanya Sanal K
