VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) on June 26, knocked down around 27 structures that were built without proper agreements. This action was taken accordance with the State government’s policy to crack the whip on illegal constructions.
A special drive was launched at different wards of the city to knock down such structures by the civic body’s town planning officials. The timing of the drive assumes significance in the wake of the demolition of ‘Praja Vedika’ at Undavalli.
Vidyullata, chief city planner, lead the drive and started action based on pending complaints against these buildings. One of the demolished structures belonged to a leading automobile dealer on MVP Colony double road. They said the area was used for car servicing and sale of used cars. Shops constructed illegally at a building in Mindi of ward 65 were also removed. The officials mainly stressed on large structures that caused problem to the public and affected the environment. At least five buildings were demolished from each of the eight zones under the GVMC limits. Most of the violations were related to construction of additional floors