Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg has directed officials to take proactive measures to prevent the overflow of geddas and stormwater canals during the ensuing monsoon. He stressed the need for effective sanitation management and timely desilting of drains and natural channels to minimise the risk of flooding.Reviewing monsoon preparedness with Public Health Department officials at the GVMC office on Tuesday, Mr. Garg instructed the Engineering and Public Health Departments to jointly prepare a comprehensive action plan to ensure that stormwater drains and natural channels do not overflow during heavy rain. Additional Commissioner, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Assistant Medical Officers, Sanitary Supervisors, Sanitary Inspectors and other officials attended the meeting, while Zonal Commissioners participated through video conference.The Commissioner directed engineering officials to ensure the free flow of both sewage and rainwater without any obstruction. He also called for a special drive to make the city free of Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs), saying that all existing GVPs should be permanently eliminated and converted into green spaces.Mr. Garg instructed Assistant Medical Officers and Sanitary Inspectors to closely monitor colonies, streets and major roads to ensure proper sanitation. He ordered officials to impose strict penalties on those dumping garbage in the open near residential areas, commercial establishments and shops.He also stressed the need for the efficient operation of CLAP vehicles and warned that there should be no negligence in door-to-door garbage collection. Any lapse in waste collection would invite disciplinary action, he said.On the issue of stray dogs, the Commissioner directed the City Veterinary Officer to conduct a zone-wise survey of the stray dog population and submit a detailed report to facilitate effective control measures. Published - July 07, 2026 06:13 pm IST