Plan needed to secure Vizag’s future water supply, says Experts
“Visakhapatnam is emerging as a major industrial and urban centre. Therefore, preparing a comprehensive plan for long-term water security has become essential,” Industries Department Secretary and Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) Chief Executive Officer N. Yuvaraj said on Tuesday.
He spoke at a workshop on “Capital Investment Planning for the Water Sector in the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region.” The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) organised the event.
The workshop brought together policymakers, international experts, development partners, and technical specialists. They discussed strategies for sustainable water management. They also examined future investment needs in the city’s water sector.
Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar joined the programme virtually. He said the State government would support the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive capital investment plan. In addition, it would provide policy support, institutional strengthening, and financial assistance.
He also urged officials to explore innovative financing options. These include municipal bonds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships. Moreover, he highlighted mechanisms such as viability gap funding and performance-based contracts.
Mr. Suresh Kumar pointed out that water is not merely a civic service. Instead, it acts as a key driver of economic growth for Visakhapatnam and the larger Visakhapatnam Economic Region. For instance, the expansion of IT parks, industries, housing, and tourism depends on a reliable and sustainable water supply.
Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration P. Sampath Kumar said the State government is prioritising long-term water resource management in urban areas. According to him, the Visakhapatnam Water Security Plan will guide the city in meeting its future water needs efficiently. International partners are supporting the preparation of this plan.
Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao said water security has become a major concern for the city. The population is growing rapidly, and urbanisation and industrial expansion are accelerating. Therefore, he said the workshop offered a platform for government agencies, industries, and experts to discuss future investments and sustainable solutions.
District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad stressed the need for collective action to protect water resources. Citizens, institutions, and government agencies must work together, he said. In addition, he called for wider adoption of rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and responsible water use.
GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg said the civic body is committed to ensuring long-term water security for the metropolitan region. As the city grows into a major industrial and economic hub, water demand will increase significantly in the coming years.
At present, Visakhapatnam requires around 400 million litres of water per day (MLD). However, demand is expected to reach about 726 MLD by 2040. Major projects such as the Bhogapuram International Airport, Pharma City, IT Special Economic Zones, and large housing developments will drive this increase.
Representatives from several international organisations attended the workshop. These included the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, Singapore Water Center, PUB Consultants Singapore, the European Union Delegation to India and Bhutan, and the University of Sydney. They interacted with officials on integrated planning, policy coordination, and data-driven investment strategies.
Experts emphasised the need for an integrated urban water management approach. Such an approach should cover water supply, wastewater treatment, reuse, and recycling. In addition, participants discussed Singapore’s “Four National Taps” strategy. This model relies on rainwater catchments, imported water, recycled treated wastewater, and desalinated seawater.
Later, officials unveiled the Capital Investment Planning document for the Water Sector in Visakhapatnam, prepared by GVMC.
Commissioners and officials from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram, Bobbili, and Narsipatnam attended the workshop. GVMC Additional Commissioners S.S. Varma and D.V. Ramanamurthy also participated. Chief Engineer P.V. Satyanarayana Raju, Superintending Engineer Edu Kondalu, engineers, and representatives of the Visakhapatnam Smart City Corporation were present as well.