States » SouthPosted at: Sep 19 2026 5:56PM


Preventing waste from entering sea through drains key to protecting oceans: Vizag MP SriBharat

Visakhapatnam, Sept 19 (UNI) Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumilli SriBharat on Saturday called for comprehensive measures to prevent plastic, solid waste and untreated wastewater from entering the sea through the city's drainage network, saying periodic beach-cleaning drives alone cannot address marine pollution.
Addressing after participating in the 'Nirmal Sagar' campaign' (Clean Ocean, Safe Ocean) organised by the union Ministry of Earth Sciences here, along with Ministry Secretary Dr T. Srinivasa Kumar, SriBharat said around 40 major and minor drains run from Gajuwaka to Bheemili and were originally intended, in several cases, to carry rainwater into the sea. Over time, however, some of the drains have become channels for plastic, food waste and other garbage.
He expressed concern over people dumping bulky household items, including beds, mattresses and chairs, into drains, saying such practices eventually contribute to marine pollution.
SriBharat said work was progressing on an integrated drainage project estimated at Rs 330 crore, aimed at connecting around 18 major drains across Visakhapatnam.
He said physical barriers were being explored to prevent solid waste from reaching the sea, while wastewater treatment through Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) would be taken up in the final phase.
The treated water could subsequently be considered for gardening and horticultural purposes or, where technically and environmentally appropriate, discharged safely into the sea, he said.
The MP urged experts and Central and State government agencies to explore engineering and technology-based solutions to prevent waste from entering the drainage network.
He suggested covering drains at high-risk locations and installing porous or specially designed covers that could block plastic and solid waste while allowing stormwater to pass through.
He also proposed installing barriers at strategic points in the drainage network to help identify sources of pollution and address them at the point of origin.
SriBharat said periodic beach-cleaning campaigns were important, but preventing waste from reaching the ocean was essential for a long-term solution.
"Government funding and infrastructure alone cannot provide a permanent solution unless there is a corresponding change in public behaviour," he said, urging citizens to dispose of waste responsibly and refrain from dumping garbage into drains.
He also stressed the need to protect Visakhapatnam's groundwater resources and cautioned against illegal borewell drilling and excessive groundwater extraction.
Declining groundwater levels, he said, could increase the risk of seawater intrusion into underground aquifers and affect long-term freshwater security.
Referring to coastal cities such as Perth in Australia, SriBharat said Visakhapatnam had the potential to develop as a clean, environmentally sustainable and globally competitive coastal city.
He sought technical guidance, domain expertise and financial support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences for marine conservation, sustainable water management and pollution control initiatives in Visakhapatnam.
The MP said coordinated efforts involving the Central and State governments, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), technical experts, civil society organisations and citizens could help make Visakhapatnam a model for ocean cleanliness and sustainable coastal development.
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