GVMC unveils ‘Haritha Ashrayam’ at RTC junction

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has introduced a pilot project aimed at providing relief to commuters from the sweltering summer heat by installing a specially designed green shade structure, named ‘Haritha Ashrayam’, at the busy RTC Complex junction in the city.

The initiative has been taken up by the civic body’s engineering wing as part of the GVMC’s Summer Action Plan. The structure has been erected over a traffic stretch to shield motorists, pedestrians, and commuters waiting at traffic signals during peak afternoon hours. A similar model had earlier been installed in the Asilmetta area.

According to engineering officials, the structure has been designed to withstand strong winds and sudden rains, which are common in Visakhapatnam during summer. Officials said special precautions were taken to ensure the shade remains stable during adverse weather conditions.

To improve commuter comfort, the GVMC has also introduced a water sprinkling system beneath the structure to create a cooling effect and reduce heat levels at the junction.

The initiative has drawn appreciation from commuters, many of whom welcomed the effort to provide relief during the intense summer season.

GVMC Chief Engineer Satyanarayana Raju said the RTC Complex model was being monitored closely.

“If the pilot project proves successful, we will place the proposal before the GVMC authorities and replicate the model at other major junctions in the city,” he said.