Visakhapatnam: Builders Seek GVMC Clearance for Pending Bulk Water Connections

Visakhapatnam: Now that the reservoirs of Visakhapatnam have filled to satisfactory levels, owners of apartments, commercial complexes, and developers of high-rise buildings say the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) authorities should clear the pending applications for bulk water connections, so that they can use it as the prime source of water supply, rather than supplementing it with groundwater.

Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) Visakhapatnam chapter president E. Ashok Kumar said the apartment complexes are struggling to secure adequate water, raising questions about the responsibility of urban local bodies (ULBs) in providing bulk water connections.

Ashok Kumar pointed out that GVMC levies bulk water charges on large residential complexes, high-rise buildings, and commercial establishments during the plan approval stage, often well before the occupancy certificate is issued.

The requirement is assessed on the basis of prescribed norms and metering calculations.

But the actual connections are often delayed.

The CREDAI representative underlined that a clear timeline should be fixed for providing bulk water connections once charges are collected.

"Large residential projects cannot depend entirely on groundwater, particularly at a time when water tables are falling.

Dependable bulk water connection is essential, as borewells can only supplement the supply,” Ashok Kumar contended.

He regretted that some projects are still waiting for bulk supply years after receiving their occupancy certificates, compelling residents to get water from alternative sources.

Joining issue, former Jana Sena corporator P.L.N. Murthy Yadav asked how GVMC can suggest a ban on groundwater exploration without giving bulk water.

Describing water conservation as a shared responsibility, he suggested that GVMC rationalise bulk water tariffs to promote responsible use and discourage wastage.

The former corporator called for scientifically designed rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems in apartments and individual houses.

"Recharge structures should not be treated as a formality.

Proper design, location, and maintenance are necessary to ensure effective groundwater recharge," Murthy Yadav maintained.

CREDAI Ashok Kumar said a clear policy defining the roles of ULBs, developers, and residents would help ensure sustainable water management in the city's growing residential areas.