Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) will undertake Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) studies for its coastal erosion mitigation project, a prerequisite for securing final Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances from the Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority (APCZMA) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The VMRDA has been sanctioned ₹176 crore under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund to implement coastal protection measures along the Visakhapatnam coastline. However, the sub-committee of the national executive committee and the MoEFCC have mandated that all proposed interventions must comply with CRZ notifications of 2011 and 2019, and align with the approved shoreline management plan for Andhra Pradesh.
To meet these requirements, VMRDA has engaged the CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Visakhapatnam, to carry out field inspections, prepare CRZ demarcation maps, and conduct studies mandated under CRZ norms. Alongside, VMRDA will carry out EIA and SIA studies and obtain final CRZ approvals from APCZMA and MoEFCC.
Project Details
Titled “Enhancing Coastal Resilience along the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region”, the project proposes a mix of structural and non-structural interventions from Coastal Battery Junction to Bheemunipatnam. While proposals worth nearly ₹200 crore were submitted earlier, works valued at ₹176 crore have received approval. Officials said 90% of the project cost will be funded by the Union government, with the remaining 10% borne by the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority.
VMRDA chairman MV Pranav Gopal said the project includes structural measures such as retaining and deflecting walls at Gokul Park, Kursura Submarine Museum, Mangamaripeta, Bheemunipatnam, and Pedajalaripeta. It also proposes nature-based solutions, including developing 22 km of bio-shields along vulnerable coastal stretches.
EIA and SIA Focus
“The site-specific EIA will assess potential impacts of coastal protection structures — including retaining walls, deflecting walls, and reef enhancements — on marine biodiversity, coastal geomorphology, and local ecology. It will also outline mitigation measures through an environmental management plan. The SIA will focus on fishing communities and coastal habitations directly interacting with project sites,” he said. He added that VMRDA will secure final CRZ clearances from APCZMA and MoEFCC before taking forward the project.
Background
Visakhapatnam has been facing coastal erosion for over two decades. Though multiple proposals were submitted in the past, none secured the required approvals. This is the first major coastal protection project for the city to receive clearance with funding exceeding ₹170 crore.
Key Measures at a Glance
- Retaining & deflecting walls at key erosion points
- Reef enhancements for coastal protection
- 22 km bio-shields along vulnerable stretches
- EIA & SIA studies for clearances
- CRZ mapping & field studies by CSIR–NIO
- Marine ecology & shoreline impact assessment
- Focus on fishing villages & coastal livelihood
