The coastal areas of Peddajalaripet, Vasavanipalem, and Jodugullapalem in Visakhapatnam are facing a serious waste management crisis. The recent heavy rainfall has caused waste from the neighboring regions to flow into and accumulate in these locations, posing challenges for the local fishing community.
At Lawson’s Bay Beach, untreated sewage has resulted in the substantial buildup of solid waste during low tide, leading to unsanitary conditions in the area. The presence of various waste materials like bags, clothing, gunny bags, liquor bottles, coconut shells, thermocol sheets, wood, and plastic waste has raised significant concerns.
The accumulation of waste has not only created health hazards due to the proliferation of mosquitoes and rats but has also impacted the well-being of the residents. Fisherman V. Yallaji from Peddajalaripet highlighted the community’s existing health issues, particularly related to vector-borne diseases, stressing the urgent need for waste removal to prevent further health risks.
In addition, poor drainage infrastructure in the Vizag One Town area has become a major concern, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The recent downpours in Visakhapatnam have not only caused flooding but have also facilitated the rapid growth of plants and creepers along roads and structures, including an intriguing arch of creepers on Daba gardens road.
This natural phenomenon, attributed to the favorable conditions created by heavy rains, has led to the proliferation of various plant species, including weeds like Tridax and Acalypha indica, as well as medicinal plants like Phyllanthus niruri and Boerhavia diffusa, known for their healing properties. M. Venkayya, a retired botany professor, shared insights with Deccan Chronicle regarding the impact of the rainfall on the local vegetation, emphasizing the diverse plant life thriving in response to the weather conditions.
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