Latest news with #P.G.V.R.Naidu
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- The Hindu
Heavy traffic chokes key routes in Visakhapatnam as devotees flock for Giri Pradakshina
Severe traffic congestion gripped several key routes leading to Simhachalam on Wednesday, as thousands of devotees thronged the area to take part in the annual Giri Pradakshina. Despite the deployment of traffic personnel, vehicular movement remained severely disrupted throughout the day. Major routes such as Anandapuram–Adavivaram, Gopalapatnam–Vepagunta, and NAD Junction–Gopalapatnam witnessed long snarls, while even peripheral areas like Venkojipalem and Hanumanthawaka saw heavy traffic buildup and queues of vehicles stretching for long distances. Many pilgrims coming from distant places were left stranded, especially along the Anandapuram–Adavivaram corridor, with several stuck in auto-rickshaws for extended durations, delaying their participation in the spiritual procession. On the law and order front, police ensured a peaceful atmosphere, with no untoward incidents reported. Special attention was paid to Tholi Pavancha, where the pilgrimage begins, and at major intersections along NH-16, where additional security was arranged to manage pedestrian crossings. Command Control Rooms were established at multiple locations, including one at Simhachalam, to oversee crowd and traffic management. Drones were extensively used to monitor large gatherings and traffic flow in real time. To maintain cleanliness throughout the event, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) deployed around 2,400 sanitation workers in three shifts. Bio-toilets were actively managed by dedicated staff to ensure hygiene. While waste was efficiently handled during the day, officials anticipate a massive clean-up challenge in the early hours after the pilgrimage ends due to the expected accumulation of litter. The corporation strictly enforced a ban on single-use plastics. Drinking water was distributed in paper cups, and food and refreshments provided by NGOs were served in eco-friendly containers. Among the volunteers who stood out were members of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, who provided herbal foot massages to weary devotees, along with tea, pepper milk, prasadam, and tiffin items. Their dedicated service was appreciated by Government Whip and Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu), who lauded their efforts in supporting the pilgrims.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Yogandhra event: 2,085 buses to ferry participants from district, private vehicles banned
District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad on Sunday announced the detailed transportation arrangements for the upcoming 'Yogandhra' programme scheduled to be held on Beach Road in celebration of 'International Yoga Day.' He emphasised that participants must use the government-arranged transport—buses, autorickshaws, and other vehicles—to reach the designated venues as private vehicles will not be allowed. During the review meeting conducted, Mr Harendhira Prasad discuss with public representatives about the transport arrangements ahead of the programme. He stressed on the importance of coordinated efforts between the district officials and public representatives to ensure the success of the event. The Collector told public representatives that it was crucial to ensure timely transportation of the public to the designated and marked locations across the city and asked them to ensure that all buses departing from different constituencies leave on time early in the morning. He said: 'Information has already been shared with each ward secretariat regarding the location they have been assigned. We have issued strict directions and informed the ward secretariats on the pick-up and drop-off points. Ward secretariat staff will be appointed as in-charges for each bus.' He added that banners will be placed on the buses detailing the compartment numbers for the yoga demonstration, pick up point, drop point etc. As many as 2,085 buses are being arranged for transporting the public across the district from Visakhapatnam rural and city regions. All these buses are scheduled to reach their respective constituencies by June 20, 2 p.m., and efforts are being made to ensure that all participants using these buses reach their assigned locations by June 21, 5 a.m. to take their positions in the marked areas. 'All participants will be provided free T-shirts and yoga mats. After the programme concludes, snacks will be distributed to everyone, which will include a cake, a biscuit packet, a banana, peanut chikki, a packet of glucose, and a water bottle,' he said. Participants coming from other districts will be provided breakfast by their respective district administrations. The collector also informed representatives that specific stretches have been earmarked for people coming from different areas. For city residents, designated stretch is along the Beach Road till Visalakshi Nagar. For participants from Pendurthi and Anakapalli, arrangements have been made at Law College Road. Participants coming from Vizianagaram district, will be seated around Madhurawada IT SEZ area and for participants from Srikakulam district, the area from Thimmapuram to Bheemunipatnam has been earmarked. Each compartment will accommodate approximately 600 participants. During the meeting, Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu alias Gana Babu urged the Collector to appoint a senior officer for transportation duties from each constituency.
