Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is planning to modernise the historic Nehru Bazaar in Vizag city, which is in a dilapidated condition. The plans include repairing existing shops and structures to prevent accidents, installing basic amenities such as gutters, drains, and drinking water facilities, and beautifying the bazaar to make it more accessible to the public. A detailed report on the proposed renovation work will be prepared by the officials.During an inspection of Nehru Bazaar and Diamond Park in Zone III, GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg was accompanied by Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas and 27th ward corporator Golagani Veera Rao. The local MLA highlighted that Nehru Bazaar, situated in the city centre, attracts many shoppers but suffers from numerous dilapidated shops. He urged the commissioner to renovate and repair the shops, provide essential amenities, and carry out the renovation in a way that does not disrupt vendors dealing in fish, meat, vegetables, and other goods. Corporator Veera Rao requested additional sanitation workers and approval of sufficient office equipment for ward secretaries to enhance management efficiency.The commissioner, along with the MLA and ward corporator, thoroughly examined Nehru Bazaar and its surroundings. They spoke with vendors dealing in vegetables, snacks, and meat to find out how many vendors have been conducting business there, for how many years, where they procure their goods from, and where chicken waste is disposed of. The vendors responded that they have been conducting business in Nehru Bazaar for over 50 years, passed down through generations, with more than 200 vendors currently operating there. They explained that there are no basic amenities in Nehru Bazaar, many shops have fallen into a dilapidated state causing difficulties, and that they pay monthly rent for their shops as well as licences for their businesses. They requested the commissioner and MLAs to repair the shops, provide basic facilities, construct drains and gutters, and ensure a supply of drinking water.
