Home / Environment / Dust, Drains, and Danger: Visakhapatnam's South Zone Struggles
Dust, Drains, and Danger: Visakhapatnam's South Zone Struggles
22 Oct
Summary
- Residents face persistent dust pollution affecting health and quality of life.
- Inadequate drainage causes severe waterlogging even after moderate rainfall.
- Waste accumulation and dumping into drains worsen sanitation problems.
Residents in Visakhapatnam's South Zone, especially the One Town area, are enduring ongoing civic challenges, including significant dust pollution and inadequate sanitation. The pervasive dust, often linked to industrial activities near areas like the Old Post Office, negatively impacts residents' health, particularly the elderly. This issue has prompted action from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board in the past.
Compounding the air quality concerns are persistent problems with poor sanitation and an insufficient drainage network. Moderate rainfall frequently leads to severe waterlogging across the South Zone. Indiscriminate waste disposal by some vendors, particularly in Poorna Market and Kurupam Market Road areas, exacerbates these issues by blocking drains, worsening the situation during monsoon seasons.
Efforts such as silt removal from drains are reportedly ongoing, but blockages persist due to solid waste being dumped into the network. Residents and former corporators also note concerns about public safety, with some areas becoming havens for youth engaging in illicit activities. A greater need for enforcement against improper waste disposal and expansion of drainage systems is evident.
