Visakhapatnam: GVMC commissioner P Sampath Kumar appealed to the public to refrain from lighting bonfires on roads during the upcoming Bhogi festival to maintain cleanliness and prevent roads from damage.
In an official statement, the commissioner urged citizens to celebrate Bhogi responsibly and avoid bonfires using old tyres and other polluting materials. “Lighting bonfires on roads will melt the asphalt, causing damage and financial losses to the GVMC. I recommend citizens to choose grounds and open areas for lighting bonfires. Strict action will be taken against those who violate these directives. Local staff should help raise awareness among the public, stressing the importance of lighting bonfires in designated public areas rather than on roads,” said Kumar.
The commissioner called upon ward corporators, voluntary organisations, and resident welfare associations to promote awareness within their communities. “It is important to educate residents that bonfires should not be lit on roads but in open spaces, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment. We request the public to cooperate with the GVMC during the Sankranti festival. They should dispose of old items such as furniture and other household goods properly, rather than throwing them onto the roads during the festival cleaning works. We urge the poeple of Vizag to support the civic body in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the city,” added Kumar.
