GVMC Initiates Special Drive for Cleaner, Greener Visakhapatnam

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has launched a focused campaign to enhance cleanliness, beautification, and urban development across the city. As part of the initiative, SHE Teams (Sanitation & Health Enforcement) have been deployed to monitor public areas and act against illegal waste disposal, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg stated in a press release on Wednesday.

The Commissioner highlighted concerns over traders, commercial establishments, residents, and visitors polluting roads, footpaths, canals, and open spaces. “SHE Teams are conducting targeted inspections citywide to address these issues,” he added.

Mr. Garg noted that some vendors near beaches are neglecting their hygiene responsibilities, dumping waste along shorelines and affecting marine and surrounding environments. Continuous surveillance by SHE Teams aims to identify violators. Businesses found disposing of waste improperly may face penalties of Rs 1,000 and cancellation of trade licenses, while individuals violating rules in residential areas, roads, or canals will be fined Rs 500.

The drive also covers hotels, restaurants, food stalls, and kitchens to ensure public health safety. Inspections include seizure of unhygienic food, confiscation of single-use plastics, fines, and license revocation where necessary.

With the International Partnership Summit and International Fleet Review approaching, GVMC is intensifying efforts to upgrade infrastructure and enhance urban aesthetics, making Visakhapatnam more welcoming to tourists and international guests.

Garg urged citizens, traders, and residential communities to contribute by providing segregated waste to GVMC collection vehicles daily. “Working together, we can make Visakhapatnam cleaner, greener, and more attractive for visitors from across the world,” he said.