Centre Approves Rs 222-Crore Coastal Protection Project For Visakhapatnam

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has received approval from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for its Rs 222-crore coastal erosion mitigation project, The Times of India reported., reported The Times Of India.

The project will cover a 30-kilometre stretch of Visakhapatnam’s coastline, with the Centre funding 90 per cent and the state government contributing 10 per cent.

The NDMA granted approval after the State Disaster Management Authority reviewed VMRDA’s detailed report.

This marks a major step in Vizag’s long-standing fight against coastal erosion, which has repeatedly damaged R K Beach and Rushikonda.

While the Visakhapatnam Port Trust has been conducting annual beach nourishment at RK Beach, this is the first project to secure formal sanction and dedicated funding.

According to VMRDA chairman Pranav Gopal, the Rs 222 crore plan includes structural measures such as the construction of retention walls, beach nourishment, dune stabilisation, and sea walls to protect the coastline.

"In addition, non-structural initiatives will focus on ecosystem restoration through vegetation management and other nature-based solutions," Gopal said.

The proposal first emerged during a 2024 review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who directed officials to fully utilise central funding.

Among 11 cities that submitted proposals, the Centre selected Vizag for approval.

Vizag MP M Sribharat welcomed the funding, saying, coastal erosion is a major threat to local communities, especially fishermen.

He stressed the project would provide scientific protection to the coastline and secure vulnerable populations.

Andhra Pradesh’s 974-km coastline includes 290 km affected by erosion.

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