VISAKHAPATNAM: VISITORS to RK Beach are being fed up with the foul smell from the drains which have been flowing directly into the sea for the last couple of days. Though the GVMC has taken measures to stop flow of drains directly into the sea in the past five months, rains made the situation worse.
During the International Fleet Review (IFR 2016), the GVMC initiated measures like diverting the drains, which were flowing directly into the sea (the stretch from Kalimata temple at the RK Beach to Park Hotel Junction). However, four months later due to the rains, storm water has been overflowing the drainages, leading to the direct flow of drain water into the sea at several places like NTR statue area, opposite Jasti Square and Sea Green Hotel. Visitors to the RK Beach are left to bear the brunt of foul smell with the garbage water and other wastes strewn all over.
“Coconut shells, food waste, plastic and other remains from the drain water are flowing directly. We are not allowing kids into water for a swim. This can lead to serious health issues,” said N Kamala, a housewife from Srikakulam, who came to the RK Beach along with her family on a trip here on Tuesday.
Some locals complained that before the IFR, there were around six areas from NTR statue till the Park Hotel, where drain water flowed into the sea. But after the IFR, they were diverted. However, areas near the NTR statue and the Jasti square, there is no improvement in the situation.
On the issue, GVMC commissioner Pravin Kumar said that during rains, due to the high storm water flow, there are some leakages, where these drains overflow.
The issue will be sorted once the rains end, he said. Pravin also added that they would sort out the issue by taking measures soon.