The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) on Friday said that measures are in place to address sanitation issues in the South Zone, and concerned officials had been alerted to ensure effective remedial action.The statement followed the publication of a report titled “Pollution, poor sanitation continue to plague city’s South Zone”, published in The Hindu on October 23, 2026.In a statement, Assistant Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) for the South Zone said: “Sanitation workers were regularly undertaking road cleaning, garbage removal and desilting of drains in the localities concerned. Periodical inspections were also being conducted to maintain cleanliness and prevent water stagnation.
However, drains continued to get blocked as some vendors and other individuals were indiscriminately dumping solid waste, into the drains.”The statement said: “Those found dumping garbage were being identified and penalised in accordance with the applicable rules.”The official said instructions had been issued to the concerned sanitary Inspectors, sanitary secretaries and sanitation workers to intensify cleaning operations, ensure regular removal of waste and keep the drains network free of blockages. Vendors and residents were also being advised to dispose waste only through the designated waste collection system.Responding to concerns over the need to cover open drains with slabs and improve and expand the drainage network, the AMOH said that the matter had been brought to the notice of the concerned Engineering Department for necessary action.The issue of dust pollution had also been taken up with the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) for appropriate action, the official added.The GVMC reiterated its commitment to improving sanitation and safeguarding public health in the South Zone through regular monitoring, effective waste management and coordination with the departments concerned.
Published - October 23, 2026 09:45 pm IST