Visakhapatnam's Water Security Plan Aims to Meet Rising Demand by 2047
On the occasion of World Water Day, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has issued a strong appeal to citizens, urging them to adopt responsible water usage practices, especially during the peak summer months. This call comes as the city currently requires 400 million litres per day (MLD) to meet its needs, with projections indicating a significant surge in demand to 726 MLD by the year 2047.
Comprehensive Water Security Strategy with International Support
GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg emphasized the corporation's unwavering commitment to ensuring long-term water security for Visakhapatnam. In a detailed statement, Garg revealed that GVMC is actively preparing a comprehensive water security plan, leveraging technical expertise from several prestigious international organizations. These include the International Finance Corporation, Singapore Water Centre, PUB Singapore, and ISF Australia.
The primary objectives of this ambitious plan are threefold:
- To conduct a scientific assessment of the city's current water resources.
- To develop robust strategies to meet the projected future water demand.
- To implement measures that effectively mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on water availability.
Innovative Initiatives for Safe and Reliable Water Supply
Simultaneously, GVMC is making significant strides in implementing the innovative "drink from tap" programme. This initiative, aligned with the national AMRUT 2.0 mission, aims to provide safe, potable drinking water directly to households on a 24/7 basis. The programme employs advanced SCADA systems and fully automated water treatment plants to meticulously monitor water quality and optimize supply efficiency.
To further bolster water quality assurance, GVMC officials have enhanced monitoring capabilities through the deployment of mobile testing laboratories. These units enable real-time testing of water samples both before and after the treatment process, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards at every stage.
Rejuvenation of Water Bodies for Groundwater Recharge
In a parallel effort to augment water resources, GVMC is currently undertaking the rejuvenation of 10 key water bodies across the city. Funded under the XV Finance Commission and the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, these projects are specifically designed to enhance groundwater recharge, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient water ecosystem for Visakhapatnam.
Commissioner Garg concluded by reiterating that these multifaceted efforts collectively represent a proactive and strategic approach to safeguarding the city's water future, urging community cooperation in conservation efforts to complement institutional initiatives.
