Ballari delegation lauds GVMC initiatives

A delegation from Ballari city in Karnataka, currently on a study tour, on Friday praised the urban development and beautification initiatives taken up by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), calling them a model for other cities.

The delegation, led by Ballari City Corporation Mayor P. Gadeppa, along with Ballari Urban Development Authority Chairman J. S. Anjaneyulu and member Ranjith Kumar, met GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg at the GVMC headquarters.

Mr. Garg outlined key initiatives of the civic body. These include Central and State welfare schemes, urban beautification, and grievance redressal systems. He said the corporation conducts a public grievance programme every Monday. Officials also receive complaints through the City Operations Centre via IVRS and a toll-free number. They resolve these complaints within a fixed timeframe.

He detailed measures to ease traffic congestion and improve parking. He also explained the phased “Operation Lungs” drive, which aims to protect parks and government lands from encroachments.

On water management, Mr. Garg said the city maintains a 24×7 water supply system. The corporation supplies treated water from sewage plants to industries, generating revenue. It also uses civic lands to set up petrol bunks to increase income.

He further highlighted works such as streetlight maintenance, solar power initiatives, road expansion, and junction development. The corporation is also developing smart street vending zones to provide organised spaces and improve livelihoods.

Mr. Gadeppa said the delegation had earlier interacted with VMRDA officials to understand regional development. He praised Visakhapatnam’s infrastructure and civic management. He added that a technical team from Ballari would soon visit the city for a detailed study.

Ballari City Corporation Town Planning Officer Tippeswamy also attended the meeting.