The period for submitting objections and suggestions on the draft ward delimitation notification of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), which proposed increasing the number of wards from 98 to 120, has come to an end. The civic body has received more than 500 representations from the public, political leaders and elected representatives.According to sources, a majority of the suggestions pertained to objections regarding ward boundaries and the reorganisation of several localities. At the same time, a significant number of representations reportedly called for a further increase in the number of wards from 120 to 150, citing administrative convenience, improved public representation and better civic management in the rapidly expanding city.Several voters, ward-level leaders and political representatives reportedly expressed concern that the revised delimitation had shifted their support base and voter groups into different wards. They reportedly felt that the changes could affect local political equations and create inconvenience in maintaining continuity with residents and party workers.Objections were also reportedly raised alleging unscientific division of localities and streets. Residents and representatives reportedly argued that in several places, roads and residential stretches had been split between two wards, creating confusion in administration and civic coordination.Former corporator PLVN Murthy alleged multiple violations of delimitation norms and accused the authorities of ignoring natural and geographical boundaries while carving out wards. He stated that ward division should ideally be based on geographical continuity, survey and town survey numbers, important junctions and roads, as well as 2011 Census enumeration blocks.According to him, as many as 14 wards had allegedly been divided across railway tracks, while nearly 30 wards were reportedly split by National Highway stretches, BRTS corridors and master plan roads. He also questioned the decision to provide only one week for receiving public suggestions and objections on such a major exercise.Following the completion of the suggestion period, GVMC officials are expected to compile all objections and recommendations before submitting a detailed report to the State government for further consideration in the delimitation process. Published - May 26, 2026 07:50 pm IST