GVMC term sees ward-level works, no landmark projects

Visakhapatnam: The term of the present GVMC council ended on Tuesday, closing a tenure marked by limited visible progress on key civic challenges. While projects worth thousands of crores were taken up over the past five years, most were confined to ward-level infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation, roads, and drains. Landmark initiatives on the scale of previous councils were notably absent.Beyond Smart City Mission works worth ₹2,000 crore initiated earlier, the city saw little sustained momentum or timely completion of major projects. Long-term solutions in water supply (like the Polavaram pipeline), transportation (flyovers to ease congestion), and pollution control remained unaddressed.Persistent civic issues include faulty street lighting, incomplete underground drainage in the Gajuwaka–Malkapuram belt, and the unfinished 24x7 drinking water project in north-west Vizag. Suburban pockets within GVMC limits continue to lack basic infrastructure.The council reflected diverse political representation—TDP, YSRCP, Jana Sena, BJP, CPI, CPM, and independents. Meetings often debated civic and policy issues, from the privatisation of the steel plant to slum challenges, industrial pollution, and sanitation. While discussions were substantive, they were sometimes marred by disruptions and physical altercations. The NDA eventually secured the mayoral post from the YSRCP, leaving it with only 11 months in office.Among notable initiatives, Operation Lungs cleared thousands of encroachments from public spaces. The tenure also coincided with the Covid-19 third wave, which strained finances and delayed projects. Meanwhile, GVMC spent hundreds of crores sprucing up the city for national and international events, including G20 engagements, MILAN 2026, the International Fleet Review, the CII Partnership Summit, and the Global Investors Summit.Speaking to TOI, mayor P Srinivasa Rao said that around Rs 760 crore was spent on infrastructure during his 11-month tenure. "Soon after the NDA assumed office, we removed the tax on garbage collection and launched the daily ‘Good Morning' programme to monitor ground-level civic issues in the wards. Council meetings were conducted with in-depth subject knowledge, ensuring focused deliberations. During this period, GVMC also hosted a range of high-profile events, including the G20 engagements, the International Fleet Review, and MILAN 2026. We have worked to improve the city across all fronts—sanitation, water supply, street illumination, and road networks. I have maintained the same approach and commitment even during my four years in the Opposition," Rao said.