🌊 Vizag’s Water Story Is Changing

Vizag’s rapid growth is putting pressure on something we rarely think about: groundwater.

Recent reporting says groundwater levels have been falling across much of the Visakhapatnam region, with some borewells reportedly running dry within minutes. One factor being discussed is the growth of concrete surfaces, which reduces the amount of rainwater that can naturally seep into the ground.

A recent Central Ground Water Board assessment found that rapid urbanisation has reduced groundwater recharge in the Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli urban area. The built-up area increased from 119 sq km in 2013 to 283 sq km in 2023, while groundwater availability is under pressure.

The assessment puts the area's net groundwater availability at about 160 million cubic metres, while also identifying a surface-water supply deficit of around 99 million litres per day.

And this is where Vizag's water story gets interesting:

🌧️ Rain → runoff → drains → sea

instead of

🌧️ Rain → soil → groundwater → future water supply

Vizag Forever 💙