Pollution traffic Bhogapuram airport road connectivity top Vizag DRC meet

District Review Committee Meeting in Visakhapatnam

During the District Review Committee (DRC) meeting in Visakhapatnam on Friday, key issues were discussed. These included increasing pollution, traffic, road connectivity to Bhogapuram airport, TIDCO houses, and other matters. The meeting reviewed district development works and public welfare schemes. It was chaired by district in-charge Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy and attended by District Collector Harendhira Prasad, MP M. Sribharat, MLAs, and heads of all departments.

Air Pollution and Infrastructure Concerns

MP M. Sribharat emphasized the need for preventive measures to control air pollution before it reaches dangerous levels. He instructed officials to regularly review and monitor the air quality index equipment. The MP also stressed the need to address pollution from the transportation and storage of fly ash. He expressed concern over delays in completing the ‘Master Plan Roads’ to Bhogapuram international airport, warning that incomplete roads could cause serious difficulties once the airport opens.

Minister’s Directives

District In-charge Minister Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy directed officials to complete all ‘Master Plan Roads’ before the Bhogapuram airport inauguration. The Minister also called for thorough land surveys in both rural and urban areas. Special attention was requested for the maintenance of streetlights and infrastructure in secretariats.

Pollution Control Measures

District Collector Harendhira Prasad stated that strong measures are being taken to control pollution in the district. He mentioned that a committee of officials from various departments has been formed for inspections. Fines between ₹4 crore and ₹5 crore have been imposed on institutions violating norms.

Local MLA Concerns

Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao called for strict implementation of GO 296 related to land regularization in Gajuwaka. Government Whip and West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu urged early completion of the ROB construction near NAD Junction.

Safety and Transport Requests

North Constituency MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju highlighted the lack of compound walls and proper lighting in some schools, leading to anti-social activities at night. He called for steps to curb these incidents and requested an increase in the number of Vande Bharat trains before the airport opens.

Community Needs

South Constituency MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas sought the establishment of a Rythu Bazaar in his constituency. He noted that large parcels of land are not available, so authorities should consider a smaller space for the bazaar. Pendurthi MLA Panchakarla Ramesh Babu requested land allocation for community halls in his constituency.

Meeting Attendees

Visakhapatnam Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, MLCs Varudu Kalyani, VMRDA chairman Pranav Gopal, Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, and Joint Collector K. Mayur Ashok were also present.