The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has announced a transformative ₹259 crore project aimed at resolving the persistent drinking water shortage in the northern parts of the city, including rapidly developing areas like Madhurawada.
Addressing a City-Wide Challenge
GVMC Commissioner Dr. P. Sampath Kumar, during a press briefing, highlighted the ongoing water deficit in Visakhapatnam. While the city’s daily water requirement is 463 million litres per day (MLD), the current supply stands at just 400 MLD. The primary source, Yeleru Canal, provides 68% of the water, with the remainder sourced from Gosthani and other projects.
The uneven distribution system has further compounded the issue, as all water pumping stations are located in the southern region of the city, leaving areas like Madhurawada underserved due to the extensive pumping required.
The Proposed Solution
To tackle this problem, GVMC has proposed a cost-effective project that will pump water from the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir (KBR) to Narava Hill, covering a distance of 10 km. From there, water will flow by gravity to Mudasarlova Lake, spanning an additional 15 km.
This gravity-based distribution system offers multiple advantages:
- Reduced Dependency on Pumping: Lower operational costs and energy usage.
- Improved Water Supply: Ensures adequate and equitable distribution to northern regions like Madhurawada.
- Future-Ready Infrastructure: Supports the city’s growing water demand as Visakhapatnam continues to expand.
Cost Efficiency and Funding
Dr. Sampath Kumar emphasized the cost benefits of this approach, comparing it to alternative solutions. “Pumping additional water from Yeleru Canal would cost ₹1,200–1,300 crore annually. This new system is a significantly more affordable and sustainable plan,” he stated.
The project has received approval from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana. To secure funding for the first phase, GVMC has approached the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank affiliate.
Impact on Visakhapatnam
This initiative is expected to bridge the city’s water deficit while preparing Visakhapatnam for future growth. By addressing the specific challenges of northern regions, it also reinforces the GVMC’s commitment to equitable resource distribution.
The project, once completed, will not only ensure uninterrupted water supply to underserved areas but also establish a sustainable model for urban water management.
Leave a comment