The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is set to expand its sewage treatment infrastructure with three new plants at Appughar, Sagar Nagar, and Bheemili to address growing sewage volumes.

Visakhapatnam currently generates 225 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, of which 171 MLD is treated, while 54 MLD flows untreated into the sea. The new plants will add a capacity of 38 MLD, helping reduce untreated discharge and catering to industries in the region that require nearly 400 MLD of water. The Sagar Nagar and Bheemili STPs are part of an International Finance Corporation (IFC) agreement, with completion expected in three years.

Currently, sewage from 41 drains flows toward the sea—18 closed and 23 open. GVMC plans to convert 13 open drains under the IFC project and upgrade the remaining 10, marking a major step toward sustainable water management and cleaner urban infrastructure.