GVMC Denies ‘Walking Tax’ Rumours in Parks and Stadiums

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg has clarified that rumours circulating about the alleged levy of user charges or taxes for walking in parks and stadiums are completely false and misleading. He appealed to citizens, especially walkers, not to believe such misinformation.

In an official release on Friday, the Commissioner said GVMC has been actively strengthening public recreational infrastructure in the city. In the past two years, 45 parks have been developed at an estimated cost of ₹35 crore. Several playgrounds and stadiums have also been modernised with an additional investment of around ₹30 crore, providing improved amenities for the public.

He further stated that the Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium, developed at a cost of ₹18 crore, is being fully managed by GVMC without the involvement of any private agency. The facility includes clean walking tracks and drinking water facilities for visitors.

Similarly, the Rajiv Sports Complex in Gajuwaka and the Indira Priyadarshini Stadium have each been developed at a cost of ₹10 crore, with the civic body spending lakhs every month on their upkeep and maintenance.

The Commissioner noted that GVMC is currently maintaining around 180 parks either directly or in coordination with Resident Welfare Associations. “No walking fee is collected anywhere. At present, no charges or taxes are being levied on walkers in any park or stadium in Visakhapatnam,” he said.

He strongly refuted the “walking tax” narrative, calling it false propaganda, and urged the public to disregard such claims. He also clarified that even parks managed by Resident Welfare Associations do not collect any fee for walking.