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The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is considering the establishment of constructed wetland to address the issue of sewage discharge into the beach waters. As a pilot project, the corporation is likely to implement the same near YMCA Beach premises soon. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg on Sunday (October 26, 2025) inspected several drains discharging into beach areas, along with GVMC officials, an experienced environmental engineer, Prof. S. Ramakrishna Rao (Retd.), and Head of Environmental Engineering, Andhra University, S. Bala Prasad. The inspection started near Jagannath Swamy Temple near All India Radio (AIR) Junction, followed by a visit to the YMCA Beach outfall point. The Commissioner discussed with the professors the measures needed to stop sewage flow into the sea. The professors suggested that establishing a constructed wetland as a pilot project at YMCA Beach, where sewage currently flows into the beach, could help address the issue to some extent. They also recommended extending this system to other drains merging into the beach for long-term benefit. Mr. Garg said that the corporation is taking firm measures to find a permanent solution to prevent discharge of waste and sewage into the sea through various drains along the Visakhapatnam coastline. He has enquired about the proposed models with the professors and directed Executive Engineer Yedukondalu to prepare proposals accordingly. Later, the Commissioner inspected the screens and sewage flow system at the YMCA drain and instructed the Executive Engineer to ensure that Assistant Engineers regularly monitor the drains and take necessary measures to prevent blockages. Meanwhile, during the visit, the Commissioner noticed a large pile of garbage in front of a shop at the YMCA Beach parking area. A fine of ₹5,000 was imposed on the shopkeeper, which was collected on the spot, for not maintaining proper sanitation. The Commissioner stated that large numbers of visitors frequent the beach daily, some traders are irresponsibly dumping waste in front of their shops, spoiling the cleanliness and pleasant atmosphere of the beach. He directed officials to impose fines on such traders and, if necessary, remove their shops. The Commissioner also instructed Chief Medical Officer Dr. E.N.V. Naresh Kumar and Zonal Commissioner Shivaprasad to ensure regular sanitation drives not only at the beach areas but also across the city.
