Minister Narayana and TDP State President Palla Srinivasa Rao inaugurate ₹10-crore Alluri Sitarama Raju Park* ▪️ *Palla takes a firm stand on pollution, Steps towards a dumping-yard-free Gajuwaka*

Visakhapatnam, March 17:*_ Municipal Administration and Urban Development *Minister P. Narayana*, during his visit to Gajuwaka, launched several development initiatives in the constituency along with *TDP State President and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao*. Among the key projects inaugurated was the Alluri Sitarama Raju Park, developed at a cost of ₹10 crore in the AP Housing Board Colony of Ward No. 76 under the jurisdiction of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC).

The park, conceived as a modern recreational space for residents, was formally opened in the presence of local leaders, officials, and residents.

Addressing a public meeting organised on the occasion, Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao asserted that decisive measures were being undertaken to eliminate the long-standing pollution challenges confronting Gajuwaka. He said the administration’s clear objective was to transform the area into a “pollution-free Gajuwaka”, ultimately making it a dumping-yard-free zone through systematic and sustainable waste-management practices.

Mr. Palla also lauded Minister P. Narayana’s administrative leadership, observing that his initiatives had revitalised the municipal governance system across Andhra Pradesh. According to him, the Minister’s proactive focus on drinking water supply, drainage infrastructure, and civic amenities had accelerated the pace of urban development across the State. He remarked that the special attention being given by the Minister to Gajuwaka would significantly strengthen the constituency’s development and improve the quality of life for its residents.

*Strict measures against pollution*

Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Mr. Palla stated that nearly 450 tonnes of solid waste generated daily from Gajuwaka, Aganampudi, and Pendurthi presently reaches the dumping yard. To address this persistent issue, the government has begun implementing modern waste-management systems aimed at ensuring scientific handling and disposal of municipal waste.

He explained that compactors are being installed at several locations across the city, each capable of processing around 33 tonnes of waste, thereby improving efficiency in waste collection and transportation. In addition, the authorities are establishing garbage transfer stations to ensure that waste is immediately transported without prolonged accumulation.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Mr. Palla declared that Gajuwaka would soon emerge as a dumping-yard-free zone. He further noted that the number of MS containers would be increased from eight to thirty, enabling continuous removal of waste and preventing garbage build-up.

During the visit, Mr. Palla also inspected the Ramachandranagar dumping yard in Ward No. 76 and interacted with local residents. He assured them that the issue would be resolved at the earliest through sustained administrative intervention.

*Coalition government’s development agenda*

Mr. Palla said the coalition government was pursuing an ambitious vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into a globally competitive and development-driven State under the “Mission World” framework.

As part of this broader agenda, the government is implementing projects worth ₹15,000 crore across the State to strengthen drinking water infrastructure, while ₹5,000 crore is being allocated for drainage development.

For the 2026-27 financial year, the government has earmarked ₹4,000 crore to accelerate projects related to drinking water supply, drainage networks, and street lighting in municipalities.

He also noted that development works worth ₹223 crore are currently underway in Gajuwaka, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening civic infrastructure in the constituency. In addition, Dayal Nagar Hill in Ward No. 74 will be developed into a Hill-Top Park, creating a new recreational landmark for the locality.

*Transparency in utilisation of municipal funds*

Criticising the previous YSRCP government, Mr. Palla alleged that municipal funds had earlier been diverted, which hindered development activities at the local level.

He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had issued clear instructions that from April 1 onwards, municipal funds must be spent within the respective municipalities to ensure that local revenues directly benefit local communities.

To enhance accountability, the government is introducing a “Green Channel” system, ensuring that taxes paid by citizens are utilised transparently for development works within their respective municipalities.

Mr. Palla reiterated that the coalition government remains committed to providing safe drinking water to every household, well-structured drainage systems, improved roads, and better street lighting.

He further noted that discussions were ongoing with the Union Government regarding the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project, which is expected to significantly strengthen the city’s urban mobility network.

Public representatives, officials, coalition leaders, and local residents participated in the programme.