Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Polavaram Canal Brings Hope for Visakhapatnam’s Water Needs
Visakhapatnam needs more water because many people live there and the city is growing quickly.
This year’s weak rainfall has made underground water supplies smaller.
Some apartment buildings use their own wells, while many slum residents depend on tankers and taps.
A canal carrying water from the Godavari River has recently been launched.
The water is expected to reach the Kanithi balancing reservoir first.
From there, it should be sent to the city within about a week.
The canal is expected to provide about 110 million gallons of water each day this year.
People have also said the city must save groundwater, collect rainwater and prevent water wastage.
The Polavaram Left Main Canal is expected to supply Godavari water for Visakhapatnam’s drinking and industrial needs.
The city has about 20 lakh residents living in 3.2 lakh dwellings, with half of them in slums.
Groundwater levels have declined after scanty monsoon rainfall, affecting apartments and slum communities differently.
The city requires about 130 million units of water daily, while GVMC currently receives about 110 million units, according to the report.
Officials and industry representatives called for extending the network, regulating borewells, expanding rainwater harvesting and introducing water metering.
- Who
- Visakhapatnam residents, GVMC, the Polavaram project authorities and CREDAI Visakhapatnam chapter representatives.
- What
- The Polavaram Left Main Canal has begun bringing Godavari water intended for drinking and industrial use.
- When
- The canal was launched last week, and city supplies are expected to begin about a week after reaching the Kanithi balancing reservoir.
- Where
- Water is being released through the canal at Payakaraopeta in Anakapalli district and is intended for Visakhapatnam.
- Why
- Visakhapatnam’s groundwater is under stress following scanty rainfall, while the growing city needs more reliable water supplies.
- Population
- About 20 lakh people
- Dwellings
- Approximately 3.2 lakh, with half in slums
- Current water supply
- GVMC receives about 110mgd, according to the article
- Estimated city requirement
- About 130mld per day, according to the article
- Expected Godavari supply
- About 110mgd per day this year, with higher flows expected from next year
- Distribution route
- Polavaram Left Main Canal to Kanithi balancing reservoir, then Visakhapatnam
- Proposed conservation measures
- Regulated borewells, mandatory rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, and water metering