Sun Jun 29 15:29:05 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
**Visakhapatnam Development Should Prioritize Citizens, Not Western Models, Says Expert**
**Visakhapatnam, June 29, 2025:** Development plans for Visakhapatnam should prioritize the needs of its citizens rather than blindly following Western models, argued retired Professor C. Ramachandraiah at a seminar held at the Alluri Vignana Kendram today.
Ramachandraiah, a retired professor of Centre for Economic and Social Sciences, criticized the Hyderabad Metro as an example of ineffective planning, stating it fell far short of its projected ridership. He emphasized the need for improved public transportation in Visakhapatnam, particularly an increase in the number of buses to address the city’s growing population. Ramachandraiah also highlighted the importance of safe footpaths and accessible drinking water, citing the Supreme Court mandate for free daily water provision.
Other speakers, including CPI(M) Floor Leader B. Ganga Rao, highlighted the neglect of Visakhapatnam’s development and the threat to its IT sector. The seminar also addressed concerns about rising property taxes. Panelists emphasized the responsibility of the government to provide essential services and criticized the commodification of civic amenities.
First Piper 