New GVMC commissioner takes charge

Visakhapatnam: GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg assumed charge on Saturday and emphasised that sanitation and beautification would be given top priority. Speaking to the media, Garg said that essential public infrastructure, including drinking water, street lighting, drainages, and roads, would be prioritised. "With the cooperation of all stakeholders, efforts would be made to secure the highest national ranking for Visakhapatnam in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan drive and GVMC would extend all support to the proposed metro and flyover projects in the city," he said.

"Vacant lands in the city would be developed in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Parks and junctions would be improved and made accessible to the public. Ongoing underground drainage works would be fast-tracked and measures would be taken to ensure that drinking water pipelines do not pass through sewage canals, thereby preventing contamination," he added.

"In light of the monsoon season, action will be taken to remove waste from major canals, and seasonal surveys will be conducted to monitor the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue. CCTV surveillance systems would be operated in coordination with the police department," he said.