Municipal Minister P. Narayana said that plans were being formulated to provide a permanent solution to drinking water issues in Visakhapatnam. With Godavari water proposed to be brought to Visakhapatnam, suitable locations for its storage have already been identified.

He also said that by developing drinking water infrastructure at an estimated cost of around ₹1,000 crore, it would be possible to supply 135 litres of water per day to every household. The availability of Godavari water would largely address Visakhapatnam’s drinking water requirements, he added.

The Minister held a review meeting at the VMRDA office with elected representatives, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and VMRDA officials on various development programmes.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Narayana said that the STP projects worth around ₹1,500 crore were being planned to strengthen sewage treatment facilities. Supplying treated wastewater to industries would help reduce the consumption of freshwater. He also stated that apprehensions that data centres would lead to a water shortage in Visakhapatnam were unfounded.

Minister Narayana also said it had been decided to take up road and street-lighting works in the city on a priority and urgent basis. He said the delay in road works had been discussed with Roads & Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy and that the works would be expedited once the necessary Government Orders were issued.

The Minister further stated that 12-storey housing complexes were being planned at Velampeta, with eligible beneficiaries to be provided houses measuring approximately 400 sq. ft.

Referring to the municipal elections, Dr. Narayana said the matter was presently before the court and that the election process would be taken forward after the court delivers its judgment.

Earlier, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg has given a presentation over the development projects being undertaken in the city.

Published - August 21, 2026 11:43 pm IST