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Urban Sprawl Drains Visakhapatnam's Water
7 Jul
Summary
- Urbanisation is the main cause of water depletion in Visakhapatnam.
- Groundwater levels fell up to 1.23m annually despite stable rainfall.
- Built-up areas surged 137%, reducing land's water absorption capacity.
Rapid urbanisation has become a primary driver of groundwater depletion in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle. Despite stable rainfall, groundwater levels experienced significant declines between 2013 and 2023, dropping up to 1.23 meters annually during the post-monsoon period.
Analysis by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reveals a stark increase in built-up areas by 137% over the decade. This expansion converted natural land into impermeable surfaces, severely hindering groundwater recharge.
Permeable land, including cropland and open areas, diminished substantially, causing rainwater to become surface runoff. Instead of replenishing aquifers, water now flows into drains and eventually reaches the sea.
Furthermore, urbanisation and industrial activities have degraded groundwater quality. Electrical conductivity and nitrate levels in some areas exceed safe limits, indicating pollution from industrial effluents and inadequate sewage management.
