The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is expediting the establishment of a 100 MLD desalination plant worth Rs 1,200 crore to cater to industrial water needs and reduce stress on domestic supply.

A recent meeting with Andhra Pradesh Urban Infrastructure and Asset Management (APUIAML) and Israel-based IDE Technologies reviewed the feasibility and project design. Officials confirmed that a request for proposal (RFP) will be issued soon. The project will follow a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with private firms providing investment, while GVMC contributing land and essential infrastructure. The plant will be powered through a 20 MW solar grid to ensure sustainability and will require around 25 acres.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg highlighted IDE Technologies’ prior experience in developing a 400 MLD desalination plant in Mumbai and a 60 MLD facility in Tamil Nadu. Currently, industries in Visakhapatnam consume over 500–600 MLD, straining potable supplies. The desalination project will conserve drinking water for domestic use and benefit suburbs like Madhurawada and Bheemili, which face recurring summer shortages. Initially, desalinated water will be directed toward industrial consumption.