GVMC Cracks Down on Misuse of CLAP Vehicles in Visakhapatnam
Some staff operating CLAP (Clean Andhra Pradesh) vehicles in Visakhapatnam have reportedly skipped their household garbage collection duties, instead transporting waste from private events for money. The practice has raised serious concerns about city sanitation and municipal waste management.
GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg expressed strong disappointment after witnessing the misuse during a recent visit to the Gajuwaka area.
Under the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), each of the 574 ward secretariats has a CLAP vehicle assigned for door-to-door collection of wet and dry waste. These vehicles are expected to make three trips daily and transport collected waste to the nearest MSF yard. Officials stress that strict adherence to this schedule is vital to prevent garbage from piling up on streets.
However, some CLAP crews have reportedly diverted their services to private events, leaving household waste uncollected. This has resulted in garbage spilling onto roads and clogged drains, creating sanitation hazards.
During his visit, Commissioner Garg observed a CLAP vehicle handling waste from a private function. “I was disappointed to see the vehicle engaged in private work instead of performing its assigned municipal duties,” he said. Officials confirmed that certain staff members were involved in the misuse.
To tackle the issue, Commissioner Garg has instructed ward sanitation secretaries to take direct responsibility for monitoring CLAP vehicle operations. They are now required to report at the ward secretariat at 6 a.m., accompany vehicles on collection rounds, and upload photos of the activity to ensure compliance.
The new monitoring system aims to improve garbage collection efficiency and maintain sanitation standards across all wards in Visakhapatnam.