Visakhapatnam Rolls Out Mist Cannons on Beach Road to Combat Scorching Heat

When the mercury in Visakhapatnam nudged past the mid‑40s Celsius mark, the city’s officials decided a little extra breeze was in order. The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) rolled out a fleet of mist cannons along the popular Beach Road, turning the sweltering stretch into a makeshift cooling zone.

It isn’t just a novelty. Residents and daily commuters had been grumbling about the oppressive heat that turned even short trips into sweaty ordeals. “I was melting on my way to work,” one regular rider muttered, wiping his forehead. The mist cannons, essentially high‑pressure water sprayers, release a fine fog that drops the ambient temperature by a few degrees—enough to make a noticeable difference.

Installation was swift. Within a couple of days, technicians had mounted the units on sturdy poles, positioning them at regular intervals to ensure an even spread of cool air. The devices are powered by the city’s power grid but are designed to run efficiently, consuming far less electricity than traditional air‑conditioning systems.

Local officials highlighted that this move is part of a broader, temporary strategy to cope with the ongoing heatwave. “We are monitoring the temperature trends closely,” said a VPA spokesperson. “If the heat persists, we will explore additional measures like water sprinklers at bus stops and shaded walkways.”

While the mist cannons have drawn applause, there’s a hint of caution. Some environmentalists point out the increased water usage, especially when reservoirs are already strained. However, the VPA assures that the water is recycled through a closed‑loop system, minimizing wastage.

For now, the mist‑filled corridor along Beach Road offers a welcome respite. Families strolling after sunset, cyclists pausing for a breath of cooler air, and office workers waiting for their rides all seem a little less frazzled. It’s a small, tangible reminder that the city is listening, adapting, and doing what it can—one mist cannon at a time.