VISAKHAPATNAM: Collector Pravin Kumar, in a live interaction programme on Facebook facilitated by LocalWire, a city-based startup, here on Saturday received more than 500 questions and suggestions from Vizagites.
Pravin Kumar replied to about 50 questions in one hour. Most of the questions posed to the collector focused on civic issues, traffic problems, women safety, food courts at night and tourism development. The interaction has reached one lakh with 16,000 views.
Drain issues to be addressed in 24 hrs
Responding to a query on the overflow of drains during rainy seasons, the collector said, “Any complaint on overflow of drains will be taken up in 24 hours. We need to do it to 12 hours. We also we have identified more than 200 open defecation spots in the ward and 70 per cent have been cleared and the remaining will cleared soon”.
He informed that there are about 50 community toilets being constructed and will be completed in three weeks.
No tome extension for food trucks
On the question of extending the time limit for food trucks during the night time, he said that there have been night inspections conducted regularly and no food truck would be allowed beyond the limited time as it would put inconvenience to the residents of the areas.
“Safety and security is an integral part. Fortunately, Vizag is a safe city for women. We have surveillance in 100 junctions which will be extended to more places soon”, he informed.
More streetlights
Finding that there are issues with non-functioning of street lights in a few places, he said “There are about 4,000 street lights installed and 6,000 more will be installed soon. Some of the lights which are not replaced after Hudhud cyclone might not be working and people are asking for lights in new areas which will also be done in due course of time”, he added.
Beach erosion
“Beach erosion, which is one of the major issues of the city is under study by National Institute Of Oceanography. The impact of southwest monsoons will be felt on the coast and might spread to other places”, he said.
Localwire CEO and founder Rakesh Polisetty said that they have submitted a report with all the questions posted by the citizens to the collector and that the collector assured to take up some of the major issues concerning the district soon”, said.