Vizag’s Waterbodies Revive, Balancing a Fragile Ecology

### Quick Summary:
– The Visakhapatnam metropolitan region Development Authority (VMRDA) is leading a project to revive and rejuvenate defunct waterbodies in the region.
– A pilot project in Kapuluppada village aims to restore four historically notable waterbodies-Boravani Cheruvu, Pothivani Cheruvu, Badava Cheruvu, Devaravani Cheruvu, and Kambala Cheruvu.- Devaravani Cheruvu was revived after being filled with silt over 50 years; the revival process removed 5,500 cubic meters of silt.- Local communities halted agricultural cultivation for six months to assist with de-silting efforts under a community-driven approach supported by VMRDA, DHAN Foundation NGO, and CSR funding from Redington India (~₹1 crore).
– the restored waterbodies span over 15 acres of ayacuts benefiting nearby villages for irrigation needs while recharging groundwater tables.
– Revival efforts led to the creation of islands for bird nesting; approximately 146 bird species visit these habitats now.
– Key unresolved issue: untreated sewage flows into some upper waterbodies; GVMC has been approached to address this concern.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis:
The revival of defunct waterbodies in visakhapatnam represents an encouraging initiative that tackles ecological degradation arising from urbanization. By integrating modern technology like satellite imagery with local community involvement-a rare synergy-it demonstrates scalable solutions for other Indian cities facing similar issues. Efforts such as creating habitats for birds further enhance biodiversity conservation. However, enduring challenges remain regarding pollution management as untreated sewage risks undoing ecological gains made so far. Addressing this issue promptly through partnerships or building treatment plants will be pivotal in ensuring long-term sustainability.

Projects like these highlight the importance of tapping CSR funds effectively and empowering communities. With targeted investments (~₹20-₹25 crore proposed),larger-scale renewals could substantially impact rural ecosystems across Andhra Pradesh while setting benchmarks nationwide.

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