Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has begun an eco-friendly initiative to preserve the green cover of a 4.2-acre field as it prepares for the construction of its new headquarters at Mudasarlova.

The civic body has engaged an agency to conduct a feasibility survey, with the assistance of an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist, to facilitate the relocation of 228 trees from the site.

"Yes, a feasibility survey is currently underway. Once the report is received, we will proceed with further work. We are planning to relocate the trees to other vacant and viable places in the city. Our aim is to dig up the trees completely with their roots and replant them scientifically in other areas. If necessary, some trees can be integrated into the green cover of the same project," a GVMC official stated.

The preliminary survey identified 228 trees in the designated area, which includes 56 mango trees, 110 palm trees, four banyan trees, and 50 other trees, all aged between 20 and 30 years. The relocation process is crucial to maintaining the city's green cover while making space for the new eco-friendly building complex.

"After relocating the trees, we will proceed with the tenders for the project to commence civil works. According to tentative estimates, the building should be completed within 18 months of commencement, with an estimated investment of ₹100 crore," the official added.

The GVMC council approved the new headquarters office in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, allocating 4.2 acres of land along the BRTS road near Mudasarlova Reservoir, close to the Health City and Visakhapatnam Central Jail. The State government gave its approval for the project in October 2023.

Another GVMC official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the project had been paused due to general elections and its progress now depends on the new State government. "Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy showed interest in this project until the elections were held," the official noted.

The design for the new GVMC office includes four floors (G+4) and a terrace with more than 50 rooms, landscaped areas, and parking facilities. The ground floor will feature a pantry, coffee shop, kitchen, reading room, indoor sports room, an 1,800-seat recreation or convention hall, and a baby crèche, among other amenities. Rooftop solar panels will be installed to make the building environmentally friendly, and it will feature a gopuram-like structure with a large national flag on the terrace.

Since 2005, the GVMC’s main office has been located at Dwarakanagar. GVMC was formed through the merger of the municipalities of Gajuwaka, Bhimunipatnam, and Anakapalli, covering nearly 640 square kilometers. The new headquarters is expected to enhance administrative efficiency while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability.

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