Minister P. Narayana Outlines Robust Measures to Ensure Pollution-Free Beaches in Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh State Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Dr. P. Narayana has announced comprehensive measures to eliminate pollution along Visakhapatnam’s beaches, emphasizing the treatment of wastewater to protect the city’s coastal ecosystem. During a visit to Visakhapatnam on Friday, accompanied by Visakhapatnam East Constituency MLA Sri Velagapudi Ramakrishnababu, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Sri Ketan Garg, IAS, and other officials, the Minister inspected key drainage canals near Gadhiraju Palace and Pandurangapuram Beach.

Dr. Narayana highlighted that the state government is formulating targeted plans to transform Visakhapatnam’s coastline into a clean, eco-friendly, and pollution-free zone. He detailed the ongoing efforts to manage the city’s wastewater effectively:

• Current Water Management: Of the 380 million liters per day (MLD) of water supplied to Visakhapatnam, approximately 263 MLD becomes wastewater after use, with 179 MLD already undergoing treatment.
• AMRUT 2.0 Initiative: Plans are underway under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme to treat the remaining 54 MLD of wastewater, along with an additional 25 MLD, ensuring comprehensive wastewater management.
• Canal Integration: Out of the 25 canals draining into Visakhapatnam’s beaches, 13 have been integrated into the Underground Drainage (UGD) system. The Minister has directed GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg to establish treatment plants for the remaining canals to achieve 100% wastewater treatment.
• Timeline for Completion: Projects to treat all canal water are targeted for completion within the next one and a half years, ensuring no untreated wastewater reaches the sea.

In alignment with the vision of Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the Minister emphasized the goal of ensuring “not a single drop of wastewater pollutes Visakhapatnam’s beaches.” The GVMC is intensifying its efforts to make the city a model of cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Narayana’s proactive approach reflects the state’s commitment to preserving Visakhapatnam’s natural beauty while promoting sustainable urban development. These initiatives are set to enhance the city’s appeal as a clean, green destination, benefiting residents, tourists, and the coastal ecosystem alike.