Activist Urges Andhra Government to Protect Visakhapatnam's Green Spaces, Continue 'Operation Lungs 2.0'
Bolisetty Satyanarayana, National Convenor of Jal Biradari, has called on the Andhra Pradesh government to take immediate measures to protect Visakhapatnam's green spaces, water bodies, hills, forests, and catchment areas from environmental degradation and encroachments. He urged the government to continue its 'Operation Lungs 2.0' initiative aimed at safeguarding the city's natural resources.
In a petition submitted through the Public Grievance Redressal System to the Chief Secretary, Satyanarayana sought action against what he described as the 'destruction' of urban green spaces, including Erra Matti Dibbalu, the Simhachalam forest, the Mudasarlova catchment, natural storm-water channels, and wetlands.
He alleged that several hillocks designated as green parks were being converted into construction zones. Citing revenue records dated July 8, he stated that approximately 5.02 acres in Rushikonda village were classified as a natural watercourse (gedda), but permanent structures had been built on the land.
Satyanarayana demanded a government inquiry into land records, building permissions, land-use changes, and compliance with applicable laws. If violations are found, he called for the restoration of the natural watercourse.
