Vijayawada: The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) intensified its beautification efforts to improve the city’s ranking in Swachh Survekshan 2025. As part of this initiative, the civic body launched a large-scale street painting drive, aimed at enhancing the city’s visual appeal and promoting cleanliness.
Vijayawada was recognised as India’s cleanest big city in Swachh Survekshan 2018, with street paintings playing a crucial role in the achievement. The VMC experimented by painting walls prone to open urination, which significantly curbed the practice. Encouraged by its success, the corporation conducted street painting competitions in 2022, attracting many enthusiastic participants. However, the initiative stalled, and several paintings faded over time.
With the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan approaching, the VMC renewed its focus on art-based beautification. It engaged 20 artists from across Andhra Pradesh, dividing them into five teams to work on prominent city roads. These artists are currently creating thematic paintings on key stretches, including Bandar Road, Eluru Road, Old GGH wall, and Benz Circle flyover.
According to the VMC engineering wing, the new artworks will highlight Amaravati’s rich heritage, alongside portraits of eminent freedom fighters. Each painting will carry a specific theme, reinforcing Vijayawada’s cultural and historical significance.
“We are committed to securing top position in Swachh Survekshan 2025. The street painting works are progressing rapidly in major areas,” said VMC Commissioner HM Dhayanachandra.
Sources revealed that the VMC allocated Rs 60 lakh for the street painting project.
