GVCF urges Mayoral Candidates’ Charter Adoption
On water management, the charter calls for faster expansion of sewage treatment capacity and strict measures to prevent untreated sewage from entering drains and coastal waters.
Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Citizens’ Forum (GVCF) has urged mayoral candidates to adopt an eight-point Citizens’ Charter to address Visakhapatnam’s environmental and infrastructure challenges while safeguarding the city’s natural and cultural heritage.
In a letter to the candidates, the forum highlighted worsening air and water pollution, flooding, plastic waste, declining green cover, traffic congestion and inadequate public amenities. It asked candidates to present a practical, time-bound action plan and consult citizens before approving major civic projects or policy decisions.
Under its clean air agenda, the GVCF sought stricter coal dust-control measures at the Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports, along with at least 20 additional real-time air-quality monitoring stations. It also demanded public access to industrial air and water monitoring data and targeted steps to curb fly ash pollution in and around Palavalasa and Devada.
On water management, the charter calls for faster expansion of sewage treatment capacity and strict measures to prevent untreated sewage from entering drains and coastal waters. It also calls for improved stormwater management, wider adoption of rainwater harvesting, and protection of lakes, ponds, and natural drainage channels from encroachment, dumping, and construction.
To tackle plastic pollution, the forum proposed stronger enforcement against single-use plastics, responsible disposal of festival waste and sustained removal of plastic debris from coastal waters. The charter also recommends a time-bound programme to reach 40 per cent urban green cover, protect mature trees during road widening, and ensure every ward has accessible, well-maintained parks.
Transport and pedestrian safety feature prominently in the charter. The forum wants safer footpaths, better-designed road junctions, improved bus services and smaller electric buses that can operate on narrow roads. It has also sought to modernise the Gnanapuram cremation ground and improve public facilities for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
The remaining priorities include upgrading basic infrastructure in slum settlements, expanding access to healthcare and education, and protecting heritage and ecological sites such as Erra Matti Dibbalu, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda. The GVCF said these locations should be shielded from encroachment, damage and poorly planned development.
It urged transparent implementation, timely project completion and regular engagement with residents, resident welfare associations and NGOs.
