Uncontrolled sewage spoils the coast; the concern assembles through the drainage streams to the RK beach

Dark sewage and untreated sewage flowing directly into the Bay of Bengal at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam on September 13, 2026, warning of urgent environmental and sanitation issues following widespread rainfall in parts of the city under the influence of low pressure over the sea. | Photo credit: V. Raju

Untreated sewage and city sewage flowing directly into the iconic Ramakrishna (RK) Beach has once again sparked serious environmental concerns among citizens, morning walkers and environmental watchers in Visakhapatnam.

Recent heavy spells and continuous showers exacerbated by low pressure systems forming over the Bay of Bengal have triggered widespread urban struggles across the city. These downpours open stormwater drains and low-capacity underground drainage channels, causing untreated sewage and accumulated waste to breach protective barriers and spill directly onto prominent coastal stretches such as RK Beach.

The discolored water breaks through the sand and flows directly into the Bay of Bengal, leaving dark spots on the shore and carrying accumulated trash along the intertidal stretch.

Regular visitors to the coast have repeatedly expressed dismay at how the city’s drains and sewers continue to threaten the aesthetic and ecological health of the city’s premier tourist destination.

While civic authorities have earlier outlined plans to plug and divert large open drains to sewage treatment plants (STPs) under upgraded underground sewerage (UGD) networks, gaps in implementation at the ground level remain a lingering problem.

City officials have stressed that consistent interventions are vital to ensure that untreated municipal waste does not pollute the coastline, yet citizens point out that immediate countermeasures are urgently needed to protect marine life and public health along Vizag’s coastal zone.

Speaking to The Hindu, GVMC Superintending Engineer (Water Supply and UGD Projects) Ch. Yedukondalu said, “The GVMC is currently working to divert some Strom water canals connected to sewage treatment plants. This issue will be resolved soon.”

Published – 13 Sep 2026 22:45 IST