Kakinada SEZ Ltd, a wholly-owned arm of Auro Infra Realty and Infrastructure, is set to develop a large-scale desalination facility in Kona Village, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh. The proposed plant, with a capacity of 3×50 million litre per day (MLD), is designed to significantly enhance water availability for industries in the region.
With an estimated investment of Rs 1,310 crore, the infrastructure initiative has received a recommendation for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance from the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The nod comes with strict environmental safeguards and monitoring protocols to minimize ecological impacts.
The plant’s design includes two intake pipelines capable of drawing 380 MLD of seawater, which will be processed and distributed through a pipeline network to nearby industries and the port. A separate outfall pipeline will discharge up to 230 MLD of brine back into the sea. However, to reduce marine pollution, the EAC has instructed the company to invest in research for brine reuse technologies.
To that end, Kakinada SEZ will fund a reputed research institution or university to develop a prototype solution for brine repurposing, with mandatory progress reporting for compliance review. This is aimed at addressing concerns over the ecological footprint of desalination.
Additionally, a dedicated budget of Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for environmental protection, continuous monitoring, and mitigation measures associated with the project. If there are any future changes to the project scope, a fresh evaluation process will be initiated by the Ministry.
Once operational, the desalination facility is expected to reduce dependence on groundwater sources, supporting long-term water sustainability for the region’s industries.
Originally established to create a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Domestic Tariff Area, Kakinada SEZ has evolved into a key industrial hub in East Godavari district. This latest project reinforces its strategic role in infrastructure development and regional economic advancement.