Only 5 Water Bodies Left in Visakhapatnam Out of 150

To highlight the importance of conserving water, Vizagities acknowledged World Water Day last week, but the condition of the bodies of water in the port city is becoming worse day by day.

According to the old maps of Visakhapatnam, there used to be around 150 water bodies in and around the city which reduced to five in recent times. Stating it as an issue to worry about, environmentalists emphasize on the need to restore these bodies of water. The present condition of the water bodies in Vizag can lead to severe water crisis in the near future and also pose a threat to the environment and biodiversity.

At present, only a couple of shrunken water bodies including the one in Vaisakhi Jalauddanavanam in Suryabagh and one near Kappulupada are visible in the city. However, after the concrete lining of park built around it, the former one has turned into a small lake and the road extension has led to shrink in the latter one.

Reportedly, Environmentalist and INTACH member Sohan Hatangadi said, “Once, the water body near Yendada Junction was as big as three football fields put together and water used to be available round the year. In 2008, a water pipeline was laid alongside the pond and earth was filled by the side of the pond. Gradually, the pond reduced in size and the public began throwing garbage there. Water from the catchment area of Kamabalakonda Hills used to recharge the ponds which in turn used to replenish the wells. But now, bereft of any proper water body, Yendada is facing a water crisis.

Actions for restoration of water bodies need to be taken as soon as possible to stop the city from facing severe water crisis in future. Speaking about the same, Professor of Environmental Sciences at Andhra University, Uday Bhaskar Reddy said, “The water bodies or wet lands help in storage of rainwater and keep the water table high. Clogging and covering them lowers the water table and leads to paucity of water in the surrounding areas besides adversely affecting the biodiversity.”