GVMC Cracks Down on Irregular Garbage Collection

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ketan Garg on Friday expressed concern over the growing number of Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) in the city, attributing the issue to irregular door-to-door waste collection by CLAP vehicles.

During an inspection in Velampeta, Old Post Office, Zilla Parishad, and nearby areas under Wards 28, 29, and 35 in the South Zone, the Commissioner identified several sanitation lapses and warned officials of strict action if negligence continued.

Mr. Garg said delays in garbage collection were forcing residents to dump waste in open spaces, leading to an increase in GVPs. During the inspection, a resident informed him that the garbage collection vehicle had not arrived, prompting her to dispose of waste in an open area.

The Commissioner directed Additional Commissioner P. Nallanayya to issue show-cause notices to the concerned zonal commissioner, assistant medical officer, and sanitary supervisor. He also ordered action against the sanitary inspector and ward sanitation secretary for inadequate supervision of garbage collection operations.

Mr. Garg instructed officials to ensure 100 per cent door-to-door waste collection and improve the efficiency of CLAP vehicles. Later, he held a review meeting with representatives and supervisors of CLAP vehicle agencies, expressing dissatisfaction over poor punctuality and monitoring.

He directed that all CLAP vehicles be ready for operations by 5.30 a.m. daily with adequate fuel and proper maintenance. Operators were also instructed to play jingles and use whistles during collection rounds to alert residents.

The Commissioner further directed that each CLAP vehicle complete three trips daily and that waste dumped in open areas be cleared only after door-to-door collection is completed.