Visakhapatnam to Get ₹1,000-Crore Water Infrastructure Push: Minister
Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana has announced that the state government is formulating plans to provide a permanent solution to the drinking water shortage in Visakhapatnam. The proposal involves bringing Godavari river water to the city, with suitable locations for water storage already identified.
Speaking at a review meeting held at the VMRDA office with elected representatives, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, and VMRDA officials, the Minister said that an investment of approximately ₹1,000 crore would be made to develop drinking water infrastructure. This initiative is expected to ensure a supply of 135 litres of water per day to every household in the city. The availability of Godavari water, he added, would largely address Visakhapatnam's drinking water requirements.
The Minister also highlighted plans to strengthen sewage treatment facilities. Sewage treatment plant (STP) projects worth around ₹1,500 crore are being planned, with treated wastewater to be supplied to industries. This, he said, would help reduce the consumption of freshwater. He also dismissed apprehensions that data centres would lead to a water shortage in Visakhapatnam, calling such concerns unfounded.
In addition to water and sewage infrastructure, the Minister said that road and street-lighting works in the city would be taken up on a priority basis. He mentioned that the delay in road works had been discussed with Roads & Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy, and that the works would be expedited once necessary government orders are issued.
Regarding urban housing, Mr. Narayana stated that 12-storey housing complexes were being planned at Velampeta. Eligible beneficiaries would receive houses measuring approximately 400 square feet.
On the topic of municipal elections, the Minister said the matter was currently before the court, and the election process would proceed after the court delivers its judgment.
Earlier, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg presented an overview of the development projects being undertaken in the city.
