Minister P Narayana Vows Permanent Fix for Gajuwaka Garbage Transfer Station Issues
In a significant move to address long-standing public grievances, State Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P Narayana has assured residents of a permanent solution for the problems plaguing the Gajuwaka garbage transfer station in Visakhapatnam. During an inspection on Tuesday, the minister emphasized that locals need not worry, as concrete steps are being taken to resolve the foul smell and waste management challenges.
High-Level Inspection and Immediate Directives
Accompanied by City Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, VMRDA Commissioner N. Tej Bharat, and other officials, Minister Narayana conducted a thorough review of the garbage transfer station in the Gajuwaka zone. The inspection was prompted by the MLA highlighting the severe hardships faced by residents due to persistent foul odors emanating from the facility.
In response, Minister Narayana issued clear directives to officials. He instructed them to ensure that waste is transported promptly to waste-to-energy plants, thereby eliminating the need for a traditional dumping yard. This measure aims to reduce odor and environmental impact significantly. Additionally, he tasked the GVMC Commissioner with undertaking a planned modernization of the garbage transfer station, ensuring it operates efficiently without causing public inconvenience.
The minister assured that all necessary steps will be implemented to prevent future issues, marking a proactive approach to urban waste management in the region.
Inauguration of Alluri Sitarama Raju Park
Following the inspection, Minister Narayana inaugurated the newly developed Alluri Sitarama Raju Park in Ward No. 76. The event included unveiling a statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju installed within the park, with the minister paying floral tributes. He personally inspected the facilities by walking through the park, assessing its features and infrastructure.
The park, developed at an approximate cost of Rs 10 crore over 4.75 acres, boasts a range of modern amenities designed to enhance community life. Key features include:
- An amphitheatre with a gallery for cultural events
- A skating rink and cricket net for sports enthusiasts
- A cafeteria and toilet blocks for visitor convenience
- A comprehensive drainage system and security cabin
- A water fountain with a statue and grand entrance arch
- A walking track, children's play equipment, and extensive greenery
- Modern gym equipment and a sturdy compound wall
This development underscores the government's commitment to providing high-quality recreational spaces for urban residents.
Government's Broader Development Agenda
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Narayana outlined the coalition government's ambitious development plans under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He criticized the previous administration for allegedly weakening the municipal system and diverting public funds, noting that nearly Rs 1,700 crore is still due to municipalities.
Since the formation of the present government, a 'green channel' has been introduced to ensure municipal funds are utilised locally, the minister stated. He highlighted several key initiatives:
- Tenders worth Rs 14,000 crore have been invited to provide drinking water to every household, with a goal to ensure safe drinking water across all municipalities within the next two years.
- Drainage works worth Rs 5,000 crore have been undertaken, with an additional Rs 4,000 crore from the Central Government in 2026–27 allocated for drinking water, drainage, roads, and electricity infrastructure.
- A survey for the Visakhapatnam metro rail project is being conducted by RITES, and the project will advance upon receiving the report.
- Plans are underway to develop Dayal Nagar Hill in Gajuwaka on the lines of Kailasagiri and to establish a Kala Pranganam in Samata Nagar.
Local MLA Highlights Development Progress
Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao expressed gratitude to Minister Narayana for his support in the development of Gajuwaka. He provided a comparative analysis of funding, revealing that Rs 250 crore has been spent on development in Gajuwaka over the last 20 months, compared to only Rs 90 crore in the previous five years.
Rao confidently added that the long-pending dumping yard issue will be permanently resolved soon, reinforcing the government's commitment to addressing local concerns effectively. This assurance aligns with the broader efforts to enhance urban infrastructure and quality of life in Visakhapatnam.
