Ketan Garg assumes charge as GVMC Commissioner
The 2018 batch IAS officer, Ketan Garg, assumed charge as the Commissioner of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) on Saturday. His appointment ends a four-month vacancy in the position, which had remained unfilled since the transfer of P. Sampath Kumar by the State Government in January. In the interim, District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad had been handling the additional responsibilities of the post.
After assuming charge at the office, Mr. Ketan Garg said that sanitation and beautification would be given top priority in the city. Interacting with the media, Mr. Garg said that providing essential civic infrastructure such as drinking water supply, street lighting, drainage systems, and road maintenance would also be given importance. He said he would strive to take forward the development by coordinating with corporators and public elected representatives.
He assured that funds from GVMC, the State, and the Central governments would be utilised effectively for the development of the city. He said that the corporation will extend complete support to government flagship projects like proposed metro rail and flyover which are in various stages.
Mr. Ketan Garg said that he would prepare plans to make Visakhapatnam cleanest city in the country as part of preparation for the coming Swachh Survekshan, with cooperation from all stakeholders. He said that steps would be taken for development of parks and junctions.
With the monsoon season round the corner, measures would be implemented to clear waste from major drains. To tackle mosquito-borne diseases, seasonal surveys will be conducted to monitor and prevent diseases like malaria and dengue.
When asked about defunct CCTV cameras, he said that the CCTV aspect would be managed jointly with the Police department. He also expressed interest in collaborating with other cities to develop 'Sister City' partnerships.
The previous posting of Mr. Garg was Commissioner of Rajahmundry Municipal Corporation.
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