Caution Sounded Against Use Of Bleaching Powder For Pond Cleaning
A row has erupted over a proposal from an MLA for use of bleaching power to “clean” the Sangivalasa Kondappa tank. Environmentalists say this is a faulty step that will harm the environment.
Visakhapatnam:A row has erupted over a proposal from an MLA for use of bleaching power to “clean” the Sangivalasa Kondappa tank. Environmentalists say this is a faulty step that will harm the environment.
Bhimili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao recently inspected the Sangivalasa Kondappa tank in GVMC Ward 2 and asked officials to clean it with bleaching powder. Rao cited the death of numerous fish and the foul odour emanating from the water.
The MLA’s son Ganta Ravi Teja, accompanied by some leaders, visited the Chillapeta Pedda tank in Thagarapuvalasa on Sunday. Recalling past development efforts from 2014 to 2019, Ravi Teja noted that an allotment of `1.90 crore had been made for tank improvements, including the erection of a walking track and embankment strengthening.
He emphasised the need for permanent solutions to prevent water contamination, given the distress caused to nearby communities.
Renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh, widely known as the "Waterman of India," criticised the proposed cleaning approach. During his last visit to Vizag, he inspected both the Kondappa and Chillapeta Pedda ponds, warning against use of bleaching powder.
He called it an ill-advised measure that fails to address underlying pollution issues. He urged the authorities to prioritise sewage prevention and proper regular maintenance rather than going in for temporary fixes.
Experts and environmentalists echoed these concerns. Data compiled by the Community-based Water Users Associations (WUA) revealed a stark reality of the 105 farm ponds in Pendurthi, 14 in Gajuwaka, 172 in Anandapuram, 63 in Bheemili, and 128 in Padmanabhapuram, only 16 of these having sufficient water.
In response, VMRDA and GVMC have sought guidance from experts. Lokesh Siran, a pond conservation specialist, have been advised to identify sustainable preservation techniques. Seeram highlighted that Vizag’s ponds are arranged in a cascading pattern, requiring specialised maintenance strategies.
Additionally, birdwatching communities have opposed bleaching powder usage, citing its potential harm to 107 migratory birds that depend on the Chillapeta pond.
With rising concerns from conservationists, local communities and environmental experts, discussions are shifting toward long-term solutions and continuous efforts to protect Visakhapatnam’s crucial water bodies.
