Water crisis triggers protest in Vizag

The ongoing drinking water crisis in the city triggered a protest by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) members, led by former MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, and One Town residents on Friday.

Several women took part in the protest, carrying empty vessels and raising slogans against the NDA government. They highlighted the difficulties faced by residents due to inadequate water supply.

Addressing the protesters, Kumar alleged that the government had failed to ensure adequate and regular water supply and make arrangements to meet Visakhapatnam’s growing water demand. He claimed that the shortage was affecting hospitals, hotels and residents across the city, with several areas receiving water only once every two days. In some localities, people were reportedly being supplied muddy and contaminated water, he said.

Kumar criticised the government for spending heavily on publicity-oriented programmes and events while neglecting basic civic infrastructure. He said greater investment in the city’s water infrastructure could have helped address the crisis.

He also questioned how the government could meet the water requirements of the proposed Data Centre when the existing needs of residents were yet to be fully addressed.

With water levels in several reservoirs falling and groundwater levels also declining, Kumar warned that Visakhapatnam could face a more serious water security crisis once the Data Centre becomes fully operational.

“If the city is facing such a situation even before the proposed Data Centre becomes fully operational, the water security situation could become much more serious in the future,” he cautioned.