Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Visakhapatnam MP urges drain cleanup to protect oceans
Visakhapatnam has many drains that carry rainwater toward the sea.
Some people also put plastic, food waste and large household items into these drains.
This rubbish can eventually pollute the ocean.
MP M Sribharat said beach cleanups alone are not enough.
A drainage project costing about Rs 330 crore is being developed.
It may connect around 18 major drains and use barriers to stop solid waste.
Effluent treatment plants may clean wastewater before it is released or reused.
Government agencies and citizens are being asked to work together to keep the coast clean.
MP M Sribharat said protecting marine environments requires preventing waste and untreated effluents from entering the sea.
The pilot NIRMaL Sagar campaign was launched in Visakhapatnam with a Clean Ocean, Safe Ocean pledge.
About 40 major and minor drains run from Gajuwaka to Bheemili, with some carrying plastic, food waste and bulky household items.
An estimated Rs 330 crore integrated drainage project aims to connect around 18 major drains across Visakhapatnam.
Proposed measures include waste barriers, effluent treatment plants, public-behaviour changes and coordinated government action.
- Who
- Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, technical experts, civil society organisations and citizens.
- What
- Officials launched the pilot NIRMaL Sagar campaign and discussed preventing waste and untreated effluents from reaching the sea through drains.
- When
- The campaign was launched on Saturday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, including the drainage corridor from Gajuwaka to Bheemili.
- Why
- To reduce marine pollution and support marine conservation, sustainable water management and coastal development.
- Campaign
- Pilot NIRMaL Sagar campaign
- Pledge
- Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar, meaning Clean Ocean, Safe Ocean
- Drainage network
- Approximately 40 major and minor drains run from Gajuwaka to Bheemili
- Integrated project
- Estimated cost of Rs 330 crore
- Project scope
- Around 18 major drains are expected to be connected
- Proposed controls
- Physical barriers for solid waste and effluent treatment plants for wastewater
- Suggested reuse
- Treated water could potentially be used for gardening and horticulture where appropriate