GVMC completes ward delimitation, file sent for approval

The ward delimitation exercise in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has reportedly been completed, with the final file reaching the Municipal Commissioner for further action.

The exercise was taken up after the Andhra Pradesh government directed the civic body to increase the number of wards from 98 to 120 in view of the city’s rapid expansion and rising population in peripheral areas. Following the directive, the Town Planning Department carried out surveys across all GVMC zones to redraw ward boundaries and ensure balanced representation.

According to sources, officials focused on maintaining uniform population distribution across wards during the delimitation process. The proposed structure aims to keep the population of each ward at around 15,800 for better administration and equitable representation.

A senior Town Planning official said field-level surveys were conducted in all zones before the draft ward structure was finalised.

With the file now before the GVMC Commissioner, the civic body is expected to place the draft proposals in the public domain through its official website, zonal offices, and ward secretariats. Sources said residents are likely to get one week to submit suggestions and objections once the draft is released.

After examining the representations received from the public, the proposals will be sent to the State government for approval and final notification.

Meanwhile, several public representatives have reportedly been demanding an increase in the number of wards to 150 instead of 120. The proposed expansion is being closely watched in political circles, as it is expected to influence the electoral dynamics ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.