ISRO-AU to study rip currents along Vizag beach

A ‘No Bathing’ warning sign has been put up at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam. Authorities have warned the public against entering the water as severe cracks continue to pose a safety risk to swimmers along the coast. | Photo credit: KR Deepak

The Space Applications Center (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Ahmedabad, has approved a ₹22,000 research project for Andhra University to study rip currents and develop tools based on artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite technology to enhance beach safety along the Visakhapatnam coast.

The two-year project will be jointly carried out by Arun Kumar of SAC, ISRO, Ahmedabad and CV Naidu, Head, Department of Meteorology and Oceanography, Andhra University.

According to Mr. Naidu, the study will focus on monitoring the atmospheric and oceanographic parameters associated with rip currents and predicting their occurrence along the Visakhapatnam coast. Researchers will also develop artificial intelligence-based techniques for beach safety monitoring and warning systems aimed at improving the safety of beachgoers and tourists.

The project is expected to help agencies such as the Coastal Security Police, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), Department of Tourism and other beach management authorities in taking timely preventive and safety measures.

Researchers said the study could help reduce beach drownings and deaths, improve public awareness of beach safety and strengthen early warning capabilities for dangerous rips.

The project also seeks to demonstrate the effective use of AI and satellite technologies in managing coastal safety, disaster risk reduction and public safety.

Published – 12 Jun 2026 0:10 AM IST