Visakhapatnam Launches Project to Revitalize Degraded Water Bodies
In Visakhapatnam, water bodies that have suffered from significant degradation due to silt accumulation, unplanned urbanization, encroachment, and sewage disposal are set for a major revival. These water bodies have been further threatened by land conversion, illegal fencing, inadequate bund strengthening, declining groundwater levels, low community involvement, and a lack of effective administrative measures.
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) have teamed up to rejuvenate over 500 water bodies in the region. VMRDA Commissioner KS Viswanathan, who initiated the project shortly after assuming office, emphasized that the revival will be guided by scientific research rather than just formal procedures.
Viswanathan stressed the importance of protecting these water bodies to prevent flooding and support local ecosystems. The restoration efforts will include desilting, cleaning, and repairing inflow and outflow channels, as well as safeguarding these water bodies from encroachments.
The revitalization is crucial for flood prevention and for supporting bird populations, including migratory species that have declined in recent years. The project will employ scientific methods and collaborate with experts and NGOs, such as the Dhan Foundation, which have extensive knowledge of the region's water bodies.
VMRDA and GVMC will each oversee the restoration of specific water bodies, aiming to revitalize these essential resources, enhance the local ecosystem, and mitigate flood risks.