Vizag water demand may rise to 726 MLD by 2040: GVMC
Water demand in the Visakhapatnam region is expected to rise sharply in the coming years with several major projects in the pipeline, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a high-level workshop on Capital Investment Planning for the Water Sector in the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Area, Garg said the city currently requires about 400 million litres per day (MLD) of water, and the demand is projected to increase to nearly 726 MLD by 2040.
He said large upcoming projects such as the Google AI Data Centre, Bhogapuram International Airport, Pharma City, IT Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the development of nearly 7.5 lakh new housing units are expected to significantly increase water consumption across the region.
The workshop was held under the directions of the Andhra Pradesh government and GVMC.
Garg said the civic body is committed to ensuring long-term water security for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Area. As the city emerges as a major industrial and economic hub, demand for water is expected to rise steadily, he said.
“The proposed Water Security Plan will scientifically assess existing water resources, future demand and the possible impacts of climate change,” Garg said, adding that the plan is being prepared with support from international organisations including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Singapore Water Centre, PUB Singapore and ISF Australia.
He said the plan will focus on water conservation, wastewater reuse, groundwater protection and improving distribution systems. The adoption of advanced technologies and data-driven planning will help strengthen the city’s water supply network and reduce losses, he added.
Earlier, Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration P. Sampath Kumar said the State government is giving priority to sustainable water resource management in urban areas.
He said the Visakhapatnam Water Security Plan, being developed with support from international agencies, will act as a guiding framework for managing the city’s future water requirements. The plan will address water sources, supply systems, conservation, reuse and long-term demand projections, he said.
Secretary of the Industries Department and Chief Executive Officer of the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) N. Yuvaraj said global best practices and advanced technologies would help develop an effective water management strategy for the city.
During the workshop, Singapore’s “Four National Taps” strategy — which includes local catchment water, imported water, reclaimed water (NEWater) and desalinated water — was highlighted as a successful model.
Representatives from several international organisations attended the workshop, including Victoria Hilda Rick Bay Delmann (IFC), Jean Martin Brault (Singapore Water Centre), Zhu Chai Yong (PUB Consultants, Singapore) and Delphine Brisson from the European Delegation to India and Bhutan. Experts from the University of Sydney also participated.
Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and other officials attended the event, while Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department S. Suresh Kumar joined virtually.