Provide proper amenities to devotees taking part in ‘Giri Pradakshina' of Simhachalam temple, BJP MLA urges GVMC officials

The Hindu

16 hours ago

Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju has urged the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) to ensure basic amenities to devotees participating in the 'Giri Pradakshina' of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Simhachalam, scheduled on July 9. He noted that the arrangements for the annual ritual were not up to the mark last year and also alleged that the devotees faced inconvenience. He also reminded that it is the responsibility of the corporation to ensure proper drinking water, toilets, good roads and illumination to devotees without fail.
He was speaking during the zero-hour of the council meeting here on Friday, chaired by the newly-elected Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao and District Collector and in-charge GVMC Commissioner M.N. Harendhira Prasad.
Mr. Vishnu Kumar Raju, represents the North constituency, which covers some part of the 'Giri Pradakshina' trek route. He alleged that colonies like NGGOs Colony and a few others did not even have proper street lighting for devotees who walk the entire night.
'Even the drinking water was not supplied properly. There were no staff to supply drinking water after 12 a.m. How can the devotees manage?. The number of bio toilets being arranged for the devotees are completely inadequate' he said, asking the corporation to make elaborate arrangements this time.
A wide variety of civic issues were brought to light during the zero-hour of the council meeting. Along with Vishnu Kumar Raju, other public elected representatives like State TDP president Palla Srinivasa Rao, Rajya Sabha member Golla Babu Rao and corporators spoke about several issues.
Need for roads
Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao said stressed the need for constructing good roads on the outskirts of the city and merged villages in the corporation. He pointed out that though the corporation growing leaps and bounds, some areas like Akkireddipalem and a few others still have bad roads. He also stressed on the need for development of road between Vantillu Junction and Y-Junction under Gajuwaka limits.
Proper drainage system
The MLA also stated that due to lack of proper drainage system, an industry in Ward No. 68 has been releasing effluents to the agricultural fields, which is affecting a number of farmers. He urged the Mayor and the Collector to visit the area and ensure solution to the victims.
TDP corporator K Hanok has asked the corporation to take steps to reduce traffic congestions in the city. He has sought to increase free-lefts at major traffic junctions and suggested to utilise green-belt area if necessary for expansions.
YSRCP corporators Allu Shankar Rao and P.V. Suresh mentioned about alleged unauthorised constructions in the city and also encroachments of government lands. Mr. Suresh alleged negligence on the part of the GVMC officials in taking action in this regard.
BJP Corporator (ward 48) Gangula Kavitha reported increase in thefts of vehicle parts, lack of proper illumination and drinking water issues on hillock areas in her ward.
YSRCP corporator Bipin Jain questioned why was the food court not removed despite the GVMC council twice passing the resolution.
Mr. Golla Babu Rao said that the NDA government should not neglect Visakhapatnam focusing on Amaravati.