GVMC council wraps up term amid civic concerns, camaraderie

Visakhapatnam: From land encroachments and inadequate street lighting to infrastructural gaps and a shortage of sanitation workers, corporators of Visakhapatnam city highlighted a wide range of civic concerns during the council meeting held on Saturday. Several members pointed to the declining illumination of streetlights, while others raised issues regarding incomplete development projects. Some corporators also expressed concern over the absence of plaques recognising the works completed during their tenure, which they said undermined acknowledgment of their contributions in their respective wards.As the present council's term is set to end on March 17, Saturday's meeting marked the last gathering for its members. Reflecting the occasion, the meeting displayed camaraderie and bonhomie, rather than the usual heated exchanges. Several members even offered a general apology to the House, acknowledging that past speeches or actions may have unintentionally hurt others during previous meetings. While mayor P Srinivasa Rao proposed a three-day sports meet before the end of the term, women corporators approached the podium, requesting a study tour instead. BJP MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju, attending as an ex officio member, supported them, saying the council should recognise women members' dedication and efforts to public services despite daily challenges. CPM corporator Ganga Rao demanded that the House pass a resolution urging the govt to conduct immediate municipal corporation elections. YSRCP floor leader Banala Srinivasa Rao raised the issue of missing name plaques for completed works in their wards, a concern also echoed by several TDP corporators during their speeches. 76th ward corporator Gandham Srinu highlighted the alleged pollution being caused by a private port near his ward and road damage caused by vehicles accessing the same port.Jana Sena corporator K Nagaraju requested the corporation to address the narrow roads in One Town area, which he said even prevent ambulances from passing through. CPM corporator Ganga Rao urged the relocation of garbage transfer station in Ramachandra Nagar, citing the severe inconvenience it causes to residents. Jana Sena corporator B Vasantha Lakshmi raised the shortage of sanitation workers and demanded the resumption of operations at the malaria control department. BJP corporator G Kavitha highlighted sanitation and streetlight issues in her ward. CPI corporator AJ Stalin encouraged members to contest again and work towards making Visakhapatnam a global city, noting that he would not run due to his advanced age. Lella Koteswara Rao addressed incomplete water supply projects in his ward. Deputy mayor D Govinda Raju urged the corporation to complete all unfinished works before the term concludes, while Kaki Govinda Reddy stressed that roads dug for various projects must be repaired and restored properly. The council approved all the 37 agenda items discussed in the afternoon, while the morning session was dedicated to question hour.