Collector pulls up GVMC town planning officials

District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad issued a stern warning to officials of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Town Planning wing on Monday, cautioning them against delays and negligence in addressing public grievances.

During a review meeting at the Collectorate, the Collector summoned ten Town Planning officials to assess the status of petitions filed through the Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS). He expressed concern over the backlog of complaints in recent weeks and questioned the officials about the reasons for the slow pace of resolution.

Mr. Prasad noted that memos had been issued to the officials on two previous occasions; however, there had been little improvement in their performance. He demanded specific explanations for the repeated delays, particularly concerning building permissions, layout approvals, and alleged unauthorized constructions.

Emphasizing accountability, the Collector directed the officials to adhere strictly to the timelines set for grievance redressal. He instructed them to prioritize long-pending petitions and ensure that the responses given to complainants were clear, comprehensive, and focused on providing solutions.

The Collector underscored that the credibility of the administration significantly depends on how promptly citizens’ concerns are addressed. He advised the officials to reassess their workflow, enhance coordination within the department, and avoid procedural lapses that could inconvenience the public.

Warning that continued negligence could result in disciplinary action, Mr. Prasad stressed that public service requires diligence and sensitivity. He urged the officials to carry out their responsibilities with greater care and professionalism. Senior district officials were present at the meeting.