Gajuwaka residents in Vizag seek basic civic amenities amid development push

Despite a spate of development activities in its core areas, the Gajuwaka zone continues to grapple with basic civic infrastructure deficiencies, including poor roads, inadequate drainage, waterlogging, insufficient street lighting and pollution. As the Gajuwaka zone accounts for the highest voter population at 2.98 lakh among the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) zones, these issues are likely to figure prominently in the run-up to the municipal elections.

Over the past year, the zone has witnessed several development initiatives, including the inauguration of parks such as ASR Park at Pedagantyada and the development of a major sports and health infrastructure facility along the VUDA Colony–Samatha Nagar stretch. Plans for a sports stadium and other projects are also in the pipeline, while roads have been laid in several colonies. However, residents say these initiatives have not adequately addressed their everyday civic concerns.

Lack of service road

Traffic congestion and road safety on the Sheela Nagar–Kurmannapalem stretch remain major concerns, particularly due to the movement of heavy vehicles and cargo lorries.

“Lack of a service road between Old Gajuwaka Junction and Kurmannapalem is a major problem. Residents are forced to use the highway, resulting in accidents. The new civic body should focus on resolving this issue,” says P. Narayana, a vendor at Old Gajuwaka who frequently uses the route.

Waterlogging is another persistent problem. Even a short spell of rain can inundate stretches along the Old Gajuwaka–New Gajuwaka road, disrupting traffic. The problem was evident during Wednesday night’s rain, prompting residents to demand an improved drainage network. Residents of HB Colony too raise water-logging issues in the area.

Several stretches connecting Jaggayyapalem, Tunglam and Kurmannapalem remain in poor condition, with potholes making commuting difficult for people living in the colonies located in Chukkavanipalem, Sheela Nagar, Jaggayyapalem, Tunglam and Duvvada. Residents say recent underground cable works have further damaged roads.

“When it rains, the roads become difficult to use. Water overflows from the drains, and potholes worsen the situation. During the heavy rains caused by the deep depression in September, several houses in Jaggayyapalem were inundated,” says D. Suresh, a Tunglam resident. Poor street lighting in several residential lanes adds to their concerns.

Open dump yard

Residents of Ward 76 (old number) have also raised concerns over an open dumping yard that the GVMC describes as a garbage transfer station. They say there has been little change even four months after the Municipal Administration Minister visited the site and assured them of action.

Pollution, too, remains a concern, with residents of Jaggu Junction alleging that they have been experiencing severe air pollution. They have also flagged uncovered cargo transported by heavy vehicles, vehicular emissions and the alleged discharge of industrial effluents into local drains.