Govt. urged to continue ‘Operation Lungs 2.0’ to protect natural assets in Vizag

Jal Biradari National Convenor Bolisetty Satyanarayana on Monday urged the Andhra Pradesh government to take immediate steps to protect Visakhapatnam’s green spaces, water bodies, hills, forests and catchment areas from alleged environmental degradation and encroachments. He also urged the government to continue its “Operation Lungs 2.0” initiative to safeguard the city’s natural resources.

In a petition submitted through the Public Grievance Redressal System to the Chief Secretary, Mr. Satyanarayana sought action against, what he described as, the “destruction” of urban green spaces, Erra Matti Dibbalu, the Simhachalam forest, the Mudasarlova catchment, natural storm-water channels and wetlands.

He alleged that several hillocks identified as green parks were being converted into construction zones.

Referring to revenue records dated July 8, he said about 5.02 acres in Rushikonda village were classified as a natural watercourse (gedda), but permanent structures had come up on the land.

He sought a government inquiry into the land records, building permissions, land-use changes and compliance with applicable laws. If violations were found, he demanded restoration of the natural water course.