CM Saikanth Varma is a 2015-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who has recently been appointed as the Commissioner of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC). Born and brought up in Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Varma completed his schooling in Visakhapatnam before pursuing his engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. After working for a few years in the corporate sector, he decided to take up the civil service and cracked the IAS examination on his first attempt.

Since joining the civil service, Mr. Varma has held several key positions in the state government, including as the joint collector of the Kadapa district, where he was known for his efficient management of the district's development programmes. He also served as the head of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) and played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of several infrastructure projects in the region.

As the new commissioner of the GVMC, Mr. Varma has his task cut out for him. The GVMC is one of the largest municipal corporations in Andhra Pradesh and is responsible for the development and management of the city of Visakhapatnam. With its population growing rapidly, the city faces several challenges, including the need for better infrastructure, sanitation, and waste management.

However, Mr. Varma is no stranger to challenges. He is known for his proactive and innovative approach to governance and has already laid out his plans for the GVMC. Some of his key priorities include improving the city's waste management systems, developing smart roads and public transport, and promoting sustainable development.

One of Mr. Varma's strengths is his ability to engage with the public and work closely with stakeholders. He firmly believes in the power of community participation and has initiated several programs that involve the local community in the development process. His "My City, My Responsibility" campaign, for instance, encourages citizens to take ownership of their surroundings and work towards creating a clean and green city. Vizag people have to wait and see what advantages and transformations he will bring to the City of Destiny.