VISAKHAPATNAM: After the beautification drive for the prestigious International Fleet Review (IFR-2016), the major challenge before the corporation is to conduct the event successfully. The GVMC has come up with a special plan for the IFR and are expected to spend about `7 crore on sanitation, water supply and toilets.
Addressing a press conference, GVMC commissioner Pravin Kumar said that almost all the beautification works, including roads, drains, footpaths, greenery and many others had been done at a cost of `85 crore. He also said that another `7 crore would be spent on (Feb 3 to 8) sanitation, water supply, toilets, decorative lights and maintenance.
As many as 132 areas in the city, including major junctions, will be cleaned round-the- clock with three road cleaning machines. “One road cleaning machine has been repaired and another has been purchased. A beach cleaning machine will be also brought on Feb 4. As many as 2,468 additional sanitation workers have been deputed from various parts for the event, who will work on three shifts,” said Pravin Kumar. As per the plan, in important areas like Beach Road and approach roads to the beach one sanitation worker will be posted at every 100 feet, while in the second category areas a worker will be at every 250 feet, and in the third category areas, a worker will be present at every 500 feet. About 67 head supervisors, town planning officers and 277 supervisors will be monitor the sanitation work.
Pravin Kumar also said that the corporation won’t allow any indecent posters (including film ones), lurid ads and provocative slogans. He also said that they were discussing the issue with the private ad agencies. Meanwhile, he also appealed to the hawkers to maintain sanitation and not to encroach on footpaths or roads.
Focus on Beach Road
The Beach Road stretch, the main IFR venue, will have 100 toilets and 150 urinals. A few toilets have also been set up at parking areas, hoarding points and major junctions. As many as 75 enclosure barricades have been arranged on the Beach Road for the public and the GVMC is arranging stalls for distribution of water sachets in between the enclosures. “Drinking water facility is being arranged at 24 hoarding points, nine parking places and 19 important junctions and overall 132 locations in the city. We have already bought about 20 lakh water sachets in order to meet the need,” said Pravin, adding, “Another 5,000-litre water tanker will be kept near the Beach Road for cleaning toilets, besides 50 mobile tankers in the city limits. Around 280 workers and supervisors will man the water supply works.” Medical stalls will be kept at every five enclosures on the Beach Road and at several places in the city.
Support Sought
As the event will put the city on the world map, Pravin Kumar appealed to the public to support them in maintaining sanitation and clean atmosphere. He also asked people not to litter waste and make use of dumpbins and dustbins which were kept in large number in all major area.
“Almost all the areas have got a brand makeover for the event. Now the event is on the threshold and the world is watching us.
Unless and until public extends support and cooperation, it wouldn’t be a success. People should avoid littering and even create awareness about the importance of sanitation. The urinal points should be availed of for easing. People visiting Visakhapatnam for the IFR, including delegates, should talk about the beauty and cleanliness of Vizag,” said Pravin.
Arrangements