Visakhapatnam: Residents' body opposes entry fees for parks

Visakhapatnam: Residents’ associations expressed dismay over GVMC commissioner’s suggestion to collect entry fees for parks in residential colonies. Varwa-Nivas (Visakhapatnam Apartment Residents’ Welfare Association-Greater Visakha Resident Colony Associations’ Federation) general secretary B.B. Ganesh said parks should be maintained for leisurely activities and social interactions.

The municipal council has a duty to allocate funds for maintaining parks, and some residents’ welfare associations have also contributed to the cause. However, collecting entry fees is not acceptable, he said. “The Central and state governments have increased property taxes. GVMC can achieve good results by reducing unwanted expenses and diverting the funds towards maintaining parks and libraries.”  

Residents also urged the GVMC commissioner and mayor to desist from regressive ideas and allocate enough funds for park maintenance and development in residential colonies.