VMC addresses water, drainage, and mosquito issues

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) held a general council meeting on Tuesday, approving most of the 149 proposals discussed. Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi led the meeting, where various issues were raised, including drinking water shortages and drainage problems. One main topic was the VMC's garbage collection service. The VMC had stopped charging for garbage collection but still owes over ₹5.5 crore to a private company for CNG vehicles used in the service. So far, they've paid ₹3 crore, with ₹3.5 crore remaining. Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao called for the resumption of the NTR Srujana Sravanthi Water Plants that had been halted. He also proposed renaming a local circle to 'Vangaveeti Mohanaranga Circle.' Deputy Mayor Bellam Durga suggested that all shop names and advertisements be displayed in Telugu. Concerns about drainage were highlighted by corporator Valluri Satyanarayana Murthy, who stated that the drainage system in his area, built 40 years ago, needs urgent repairs. He also emphasized the need for women’s shelter homes for those traveling late at night. Furthermore, M. Venkata Prasad pointed out the lack of dumping bins near garbage loading points, while Tangirala Ramireddy proposed constructing an underpass to improve access from a local tea stall to the National Highway. Lastly, ten animal lovers attended the meeting to discuss potential solutions for the city's dog-related problems.