In a move to bolster urban cleanliness, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg warned on Monday that strict action would be taken against individuals and shopkeepers found littering public spaces.

During a surprise field inspection of sanitation operations in the West Zone’s ward no. 25, specifically in the Seethampeta area, Mr. Garg emphasised that citizen responsibility is paramount to maintaining the city’s hygiene. The administration will maintain zero tolerance toward negligence regarding sanitation management and road upkeep.

‘Return Gift’ for Littering

During his rounds, the Commissioner expressed displeasure on spotting a heap of garbage dumped carelessly in front of a shop at Seethampeta. In a symbolic act of enforcement, he directed the sanitation staff to collect the waste and place it back inside the shop as a 'return gift' to the proprietor.

Mr. Garg issued a clear directive to all traders, warning that any future instances of garbage being dumped on roadsides would lead to the sealing of the establishment. He advised shop owners to utilise dustbins and hand over waste exclusively to the designated door-to-door collection (CLAP) vehicles.

Staff Accountability and Disciplinary Action

The Commissioner also scrutinised the performance of the sanitation workforce, and directed that all street cleaning and drainage maintenance to be done punctually. He insisted that CLAP vehicle operations must adhere strictly to their designated schedules.

Addressing complaints regarding administrative lapses, the Commissioner took immediate disciplinary action against a sanitation supervisor, identified as Santosh, following reports that Santosh was neglecting his duties and intimidating junior sanitation workers. Mr. Garg ordered the Zonal Commissioner to place him under immediate suspension.

“Continuous monitoring of the sanitation staff is mandatory,” Mr. Garg stated, warning that any harassment of workers or failure to fulfill professional duties would be met with stringent departmental action.

Sanitary Inspector Satya and other municipal officials accompanied the Commissioner during the inspection.