Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumilli Sribharat on Saturday (September 19, 2026) called for comprehensive measures to prevent waste and untreated wastewater from entering the sea through the city’s drainage network. He stated that protecting the marine environment requires going beyond periodic beach clean ups.
Launching the “Nirmal Sagar” campaign—organised by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences—along with T. Srinivasa Kumar from the Ministry, Mr. Sribharat administered the “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” pledge. He noted that roughly 40 major and minor drains run from Gajuwaka to Bheemili, many originally meant for rainwater but now serving as conduits for garbage, including bulky household items like beds and chairs.
To counter this, an integrated drainage project valued at ₹330 crore is underway to connect about 18 major drains, install physical barriers for solid waste, and treat wastewater via Effluent Treatment Plants. Mr. Sribharat also stressed the need to curb illegal borewells to prevent seawater intrusion and urged public cooperation to ensure long-term sustainability.
Marking International Coastal Clean-up Day, the week-long “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” 5.0 campaign culminated in a massive volunteer turnout across the coast. At one site, families of Indian Coast Guard personnel and GITAM University students collected around 300 kg of marine debris—including plastic bottles, food wrappers, and fishing nets.
Concurrently, over 1,200 personnel, including approximately 300 Coast Guard members, representatives from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, INCOIS, local institutions, and community groups, mobilised at Jellari Peta Beach for a large-scale clean-up drive to clear litter and raise awareness about ocean health.
Published – September 19, 2026 07:18 pm IST
