GVMC chief refutes rumours of ‘walking tax’ in Vizag parks, stadiums

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg, has clarified that the rumours and claims suggesting levy of user charges/tax for walking in parks and stadiums by the corporation are completely false and misleading. He urged the public and walkers not to believe in such misinformation.

In a release on Friday, Mr Garg said that in the view of public health and recreation, the GVMC developed 45 parks in the last two years at a cost of approximately ₹35 crore. Additionally, several playgrounds and stadiums have been modernised with an investment of about ₹30 crore, providing improved facilities for citizens. He further informed that the Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium has been developed recently at a cost of ₹18 crore and is being managed directly by the GVMC with no involvement of any private agency. Clean walking tracks along with drinking water facilities have been provided for walkers. Similarly, the Rajiv Sports Complex in Gajuwaka and Indira Priyadarshini Stadium have been developed at a cost of ₹10 crore each, and lakhs of rupees are being spent monthly for their maintenance.