GVMC begins ward delimitation, wards to rise from 98 to 120

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has started the ward delimitation process as per the State government’s new guidelines. The number of wards will be increased from 98 to 120 based on population.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg said the work is being done in phases. It started in the north-eastern zone covering Bheemunipatnam and will move towards the south-west area and end at Anakapalli. The goal is to keep the population in each ward balanced, with around 14,500 to 16,500 people in every ward.

He said the Municipal Administration & Urban Development department has set April 24 as the deadline for the first phase. After the draft is ready, it will be shared with the public. People will get one week to send objections and suggestions. The GVMC will review them before finalising the boundaries and sending them to the State government for approval.

Officials said the exercise will help improve local governance. It will make it easier to address public issues, improve civic services, and help people reach their elected representatives. The increase in wards will also raise the number of corporators in the next local body elections.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg also said that the proposal to merge four panchayat areas in Bheemunipatnam and Pendurthi Assembly constituencies with GVMC is under review. The proposal was sent after requests from local MLAs and is now with the State government, which has asked for a detailed report.

He said these areas are currently under panchayat administration. GVMC has informed panchayat officials about the proposal and is waiting for their response before taking the next step.