5 days ago
Builders Seek GVMC Clearance for Pending Bulk Water Connections
Apartment buildings and large commercial properties in Visakhapatnam need reliable water connections.
Builders say many projects have paid bulk water charges but are still waiting for connections.
They say this makes residents depend on groundwater or other sources.
Groundwater levels have been falling, so builders say borewells should only provide extra water.
A former corporator also questioned calls to limit groundwater use without providing municipal water.
A GVMC official disagreed with the delay claims and said connections are usually provided within three months after payment.
The official said the water system has been improved after summer pressure.
Stakeholders also want better rainwater collection and groundwater recharge systems.
They say the roles of the municipal corporation, builders, and residents should be clearly explained.
Apartment owners, commercial complexes, and high-rise developers want pending bulk water connection applications cleared by the GVMC.
CREDAI Visakhapatnam president E. Ashok Kumar said projects are often charged for bulk water during plan approval, but connections can be delayed.
Some projects reportedly remain without bulk supply for years after receiving occupancy certificates, forcing residents to use alternative sources.
A senior GVMC official said connections are provided within three months of payment and that the system has now been streamlined.
Stakeholders called for rational tariffs, scientifically designed rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and a clear policy defining responsibilities.
- Who
- Apartment owners, commercial and high-rise developers, CREDAI Visakhapatnam president E. Ashok Kumar, former Jana Sena corporator P.L.N. Murthy Yadav, and GVMC officials.
- What
- Stakeholders are seeking clearance of pending bulk water connections and a clearer, more sustainable water-supply policy.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- When
- The requests followed satisfactory reservoir levels after heavy rains; some projects have reportedly waited years after receiving occupancy certificates.
- Why
- Projects need dependable municipal water because groundwater levels are falling and borewells are intended only to supplement supply.
Builders and Residents
GVMC Official
Connection delays
Builders and Residents
CREDAI representatives and project stakeholders say some developments remain without bulk supply for years after occupancy certificates, forcing residents to seek alternatives.
GVMC Official
A senior GVMC official said bulk water connections are provided within three months of payment and that the system has been streamlined.
Groundwater restrictions
Builders and Residents
P.L.N. Murthy Yadav questioned how GVMC could suggest a ban on groundwater exploration without first providing dependable bulk water connections.
GVMC Official
The GVMC position cited in the articles emphasizes the municipal connection process but does not directly address the criticism about groundwater restrictions.
Water-management responsibility
Builders and Residents
Builders and stakeholders want rational tariffs and scientifically designed rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems, along with clearly defined roles for authorities, developers, and residents.
GVMC Official
The GVMC official said the water-supply system has been improved after summer pressure, while the articles do not provide a detailed alternative policy from the corporation.
Key facts
- Civic body
- Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC)
- Main demand
- Clear pending applications for bulk water connections
- Applicants affected
- Apartments, commercial complexes, and high-rise buildings
- Payment practice
- GVMC levies bulk water charges during the plan approval stage
- Builders' claim
- Some projects wait years for bulk supply after receiving occupancy certificates
- GVMC position
- A senior official said connections are provided within three months of payment
- Additional proposals
- Rational tariffs, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and defined responsibilities
Quotes
P.L.N. Murthy Yadav
Former Jana Sena corporator
“Large residential projects cannot depend entirely on groundwater, particularly at a time when the water tables are falling. Bore wells can only supplement the supply, while a dependable bulk water connection is essential”
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“Recharge structures should not be treated as a formality. Proper design, location, and maintenance are necessary to ensure effective groundwater recharge”
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Senior GVMC official
A senior official of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation
“There was some pressure in summer when groundwater receded. But now the system has been streamlined”
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