GVMC to crack down on misuse of cellar parking spaces

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has warned commercial establishments operating from cellar floors that it will take strict legal action. These cellar floors were approved only for public vehicle parking.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg said the corporation allowed cellar floors in commercial complexes, multiplexes, and malls only for parking. He made it clear they were never meant for business activity. He directed building owners and traders to vacate these spaces immediately and restore them for public use.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, Mr. Garg said GVMC has received many complaints from citizens. People reported that parking areas on the cellar floors are being used for unauthorised businesses. He said this violates building rules and reduces parking space for the public.

The Commissioner said vehicle movement has been steadily rising in Visakhapatnam. He added that using parking areas for business is worsening traffic congestion. Motorists then end up parking on roads, footpaths, and internal streets. This disrupts traffic flow and creates safety risks.

Mr. Garg said the GVMC Town Planning wing will take up enforcement action under Operation Lungs 3.0. The wing will work with the police to remove illegal commercial activity from cellar floors. GVMC will also ensure these spaces are used only for parking.

He warned that GVMC will initiate legal proceedings against violators. The corporation may also cancel occupancy permissions and trade licences of establishments that break the rules. GVMC urged traders and building owners to comply voluntarily and avoid penalties.