GVMC plans major ward expansion to over 120

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is set to increase its wards from the existing 98 to over 120, in line with fresh guidelines issued by the State government.

This will be the third revision in the past nine years. The city had 72 wards before 2017, which were raised to 81 that year and further to 98 in 2020 following the merger of adjoining villages and a steady rise in population.

Sources said the proposed expansion will involve a comprehensive redrawing of ward boundaries, resulting in a reorganisation of several existing divisions. The move follows the recent expansion of GVMC’s administrative zones from eight to ten, necessitating a fresh alignment of ward demarcations.

The increase in wards is expected to lead to a higher number of elected representatives in the upcoming municipal elections, thereby strengthening grassroots governance and improving public representation.

Officials confirmed that directions have been received from the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department, and preparatory work is already in progress.

Although proposals are under consideration to merge additional villages from Anandapuram, Bheemunipatnam, and Padmanabham mandals into GVMC limits, sources indicated that these may not be taken up immediately.

Former corporator and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader P.L.V.N. Murthy said the move would facilitate quicker resolution of civic issues and enhance administrative efficiency. He added that it would improve accessibility for citizens to raise their grievances.

Meanwhile, several former corporators underscored the need for a transparent and systematic approach to ward reorganisation, with due consultation involving public representatives, former corporators, and resident welfare associations to ensure fairness and effectively address local concerns.