GVMC readies for Swachh Survekshan assessment

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg urges officials to meticulously review Swachh Survekshan parameters to secure top ranking for Visakhapatnam.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg has asked officials and Zonal Commissioners to carefully examine all parameters of Swachh Survekshan 2025–26 and implement a special action plan to achieve top rank in the survey.

On Thursday, the Commissioner conducted a review meeting with officials at the VMRDA Children’s Theatre along with Additional Commissioners, heads of all departments to discuss the parameters and action plan to be implemented under Swachh Survekshan.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Garg said that as the Swachh Survekshan assessment team is expected to visit the city soon, all levels should be carefully reviewed, including all cleanliness-related parameters and duties must be performed with a focused action plan. He emphasised the need for special attention on key aspects such as door-to-door waste collection, waste segregation, awareness programmes on citizen feedback, involvement of NGOs, social organisations and Resident Welfare Associations, management of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, maintenance of pink toilets, public toilets, school toilets, green belts and Triple R centres, and regular monitoring of sanitation practices. He also stressed the importance of preventing open defecation and urination and ensuring effective waste segregation.

The Commissioner further stated that Swachh Survekshan carries a total of 12,500 marks, and any negligence or lapses may lead to loss of marks and even negative marking. Therefore, every official must perform their duties diligently without any laxity, he said.

The Commissioner noted that GVMC has consistently secured single-digit rankings in Swachh Survekshan through continuous efforts, and stressed that officials must focus on achieving the first rank for Visakhapatnam in Swachh Survekshan 2025–26.