GVMC cracks down on park encroachments, launches major road upgrades

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has stepped up efforts to protect the city’s green spaces amid rising concerns over encroachments.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg warned that criminal cases will be filed against those encroaching on the 1,480 parks and open spaces under its control. Of these, 385 have already been developed into parks, maintained by the Horticulture Wing.

To improve coordination between departments, GVMC has introduced standard guidelines for its Horticulture and Town Planning wings. The corporation also plans to hand over developed parks to Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs) for upkeep, with a clear restriction on constructing permanent structures.

Currently, 1,095 parks and open spaces remain undeveloped. Town Planning officials have been instructed to install fencing and maintain proper records to prevent further encroachments. Under “Operation Lungs,” GVMC has already cleared 17 parks of illegal occupation.

Alongside protecting parks, GVMC has announced major infrastructure upgrades. Over the next year, 112 roads will be developed in three phases, with at least one road expansion in every ward.

Traffic management is also set for an overhaul. Sixteen key junctions will be modernised with free left turns and smart signals. In coordination with the police, 115 traffic signals will be upgraded, while 56 signals on highways and arterial roads will be synchronised using AI technology.