GVMC Council Passes Resolution Against Ambuja Cement Factory in Pedagantyada

Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) council meeting, chaired by Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, began under high tension on Friday as companies from YSRC and CPM protested against the privatization of the steel plant and the proposal to set up Ambuja Cement in Pedagantyada.

Before the hearing began, opposing companies gathered in front of the mayor’s podium, holding banners reading “Ambuja Cement Return” and wearing black clothing to express their opposition. They accused the NDA coalition government of not stopping the privatization of Vizag steel plant and requested the council to pass an ordinance banning Ambuja Cement plant.

Early in the morning, protesters gathered at the GVMC main gate under the banner of Pedagantyada Ambuja Cement Factory Anti-Construction Action Joint Committee. The demonstration was led by JAC convenor N. Rama Rao, CPM corporator Gangarao Rahman, Mantri Shankar Narayana and 76th Ward President of YSRC. They warned that the cement plant would expose residents of Gajuwaka, Pedagantyada and Kurmannnapalem to hazardous dust and particles.

Tensions eased when the council unanimously passed a resolution urging the state government and environmental agencies to cancel the bid for Adani Ambuja Cement Company in Pedagantyada. Following this decision, YSRC and CPM companies ended their protests.

During the meeting, corporations also expressed concerns at the ward level. Kella Sunitha of ward 13 highlighted Mudasarlova Park as a hub for anti-social activities and alleged that GVMC had failed to provide basic amenities at the park, which houses the city’s drinking water supply. Kandula Nagaraju of Ward 32 criticized the unbalanced allocation of funds, claiming that Jana Sena wards were left aside in development projects.

Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao informed that the council discussed 132 agenda items, including 90 main agenda and 42 table agenda. While 131 of these were approved, the proposal to rename Relli Street was rejected. Council members, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and other officials attended the meeting held in the GVMC assembly hall.