State Government Prepares Comprehensive Water Plan for North Andhra
The state government has launched preparations for a comprehensive water plan to meet rising needs in North Andhra Pradesh. The plan targets both residents and industries under the Visakhapatnam Economic Region Development Project. It will cover six districts, from Srikakulam to Anakapalli. Funding will come from the Centre, the state, and the World Bank.
Under the “Vikasit Bharat” and “Swarna Andhra” initiatives, the Centre will provide half of the funds required for infrastructure to meet water demand by 2047. The state and the World Bank will contribute the remainder. Singapore’s Public Utilities Board and the International Finance Corporation will provide technical assistance.
A three-day conference on the plan will start on March 9 at the Novotel Hotel in Visakhapatnam. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to inaugurate the event. The conference will bring together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss sustainable water supply and infrastructure improvements.
Officials stress the urgency of the plan because the region is expanding industrially. “Steel plants, IT companies, data centres, mega parks, MSME parks, and green hydrogen projects are coming up. Water demand will rise sharply in the next two decades,” said M. N. Harendira Prasad, Visakhapatnam Collector. He added that the plan will secure water for both residents and industries and prevent future shortages.
The plan will examine water availability from rivers such as Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Mahendratanaya, Bahuda, Swarnamukhi, and Sarada. Officials will also check allocations from the Polavaram Left Main Canal and explore ways to increase reservoir capacities.
Currently, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) supplies 390 million litres per day (MLD), while demand stands at 453 MLD. By 2047, demand could reach 680 MLD for the city, 220 MLD for industries, and 15 MLD for nearby rural areas. “Proper planning now will prevent shortages. It will also ensure that economic growth is not limited by water scarcity,” said Dr. S. V. Raju, a water resource expert involved in the project.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to balance urban, rural, and industrial needs. Experts say it could serve as a model for integrated water management and sustainable development in North Andhra over the next 25 years.