Blueprint for Vizag’s water security may emerge during CM’s September 19 visit

The ongoing drinking water crisis is set to take centre-stage during Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s proposed visit to Visakhapatnam on September 19. Local leaders are preparing to seek a comprehensive, long-term strategy from the Chief Minister to strengthen water storage and ensure water security for the city.

Speaking to The Hindu, TDP State president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao said: ”Yes, we are preparing to bring Vizag’s water issue to the notice of the CM during his visit to the city on September 19. There will be a possible meeting with all the major stakeholders.”

Highlighting a shift in planning he said; “Back in 2004, there was a proposal to spend ₹3,000 crore on building a pipeline from the Yeleru canal to prevent water evaporation, and reduce frequent desilting works. However, now our priority has changed. We want to invest such large amounts to creating dedicated water storage points for the city. This point will also be discussed in the meeting with the Chief Minister.”

History of vulnerability

Visakhapatnam has long faced recurring water shortages due to its heavy reliance on the erratic monsoon cycles. Because the city lacks perennial river sources within its immediate basin, a failed southwest monsoon regularly dries up local tanks like Meghadrigedda, triggering intense panic. This vulnerability was visible during the 2004–2006 drought, which forced prolonged rationing and left residents heavily reliant on erratic tanker supplies. Furthermore, rapid industrialisation—anchored by heavyweights like the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant—have increased pressure on the available water resources, leaving residential areas to bear the brunt of dry taps.

The 2027 Godavari Roadmap

To break the cycle of recurring water shortages, State authorities have mapped out an ambitious plan to bring the Godavari River water to Visakhapatnam via the Polavaram Left Main Canal by 2027. However, public skepticism remains high regarding its practical execution. Irrigation experts have also highlight strict hydraulic constraints that must be managed. Lift irrigation operations can only function effectively when the Godavari water level reaches a minimum height of 14 metres. Managing these minimum flow thresholds during lean periods is essential to keeping the inter-basin transfer project reliable and operational year-round.

Building a decentralised storage grid

Experts agree that long-distance canal transfers alone cannot secure urban taps without local retention systems. To solve this, officials have outlined a decentralised storage network across both sides of the Polavaram Left Main Canal.

This planned 27 TMC storage grid requires the integration of key storage nodes including—Tallapalem, Rangupolugedda, and Seshugedda in Yelamanchili, Cheedikada in Nakkapalli, Krishnapalem in Achyuthapuram, and urban reservoirs like Gambheram and Meghadrigedda.

According to irrigation officials, “The 2027 vision is a conditional equation. It will only succeed if lift thresholds, canal linkages, and the proposed 27 TMC storage grid are properly synchronised.”