GVMC projects Vizag’s water requirement may rise to 726 MLD by 2040

GVMC projects Visakhapatnam's water demand will rise to 726 MLD by 2040 due to significant upcoming developments.

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg said that major upcoming projects such as the Google AI Data Centre, Bhogapuram International Airport, Pharma City, IT Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and nearly 7.5 lakh new housing units will significantly increase water demand in Visakhapatnam region. Currently, Visakhapatnam requires approximately 400 million litres per day (MLD) of water, and this demand is projected to increase to nearly 726 MLD by 2040, he said.

He was speaking during the high-level workshop on ‘Capital Investment Planning for the Water Sector in Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Area,’ on Tuesday, held under the directions of the Government of A.P. and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC).

Mr Garg said that the corporation is committed to ensuring long-term water security for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Area. He explained that as Visakhapatnam rapidly develops as a major industrial and economic hub, water demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. He added that the ‘Water Security Plan’ aims to scientifically assess current water resources, future demand, and the impacts of climate change. He said: “The plan is being prepared with the support of international organisations such as IFC, Singapore Water Centre, PUB Singapore, and ISF Australia.”

“The plan will focus on water conservation, wastewater reuse, groundwater protection, and improving water distribution systems. Through advanced technologies and data-driven planning, GVMC aims to strengthen the city’s water supply system and reduce water losses,” he said.

Earlier, Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration Dr. P. Sampath Kumar stated that the State government is giving special priority to sustainable water resource management in urban areas. He explained that the Visakhapatnam ‘Water Security Plan’, is being prepared with the support of international organisations such as IFC, Singapore Water Centre, PUB Singapore, and ISF Australia, and will serve as a guiding framework to effectively manage the city’s future water requirements. He emphasised that aspects such as water sources, supply systems, conservation, reuse, and future demand projections must be comprehensively addressed while preparing the plan.

Secretary of Industries department and CEO of Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) N. Yuvaraj said that by adopting global best practices, international expertise, and advanced technologies, an effective water management strategy can be developed to meet the future needs of the city.