Fri Sep 19 15:08:24 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version in the style of a news article:

**Summary of Text:**

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), with police assistance, forcibly removed food trucks from the popular Old Jail Road night food court in Visakhapatnam on September 19, 2025. The GVMC cited complaints of traffic congestion, sanitation issues, and the proliferation of unlicensed food trucks as the reason. While some vendors complied, others resisted, leading to clashes with authorities. Food truck owners claimed they received no prior notice and emphasized the economic hardship the eviction would cause to hundreds of families. Local MLA Ch. Vamsikrishna Srinivas criticized the GVMC’s actions, arguing that the food court was a vital amenity for the city and provided livelihoods for many poor families. He urged the GVMC to regulate the food trucks instead of evicting them.

**News Article:**

**Visakhapatnam Food Truck Eviction Sparks Protests, MLA Condemns GVMC Action**

**VISAKHAPATNAM, September 19, 2025** – Tensions flared on Old Jail Road in Visakhapatnam today as the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), backed by city police, forcibly removed food trucks from the area’s popular night food court. The move sparked immediate protests and sit-ins, with food truck owners and workers clashing with authorities.

The GVMC claims the action was necessary to address long-standing complaints of traffic congestion, sanitation problems, and the unauthorized expansion of the food truck businesses. Officials stated that the number of trucks had ballooned from an initial 50 to approximately 240, many operating without permits. “We served notices two weeks ago,” said a Town Planning official. “This decision was taken long ago, in fact, the GVMC Council had passed a resolution to remove the food court nearly a year ago. Once the area is cleared, we plan to reallocate spots only to those trucks with proper permissions.”

However, food truck operators vehemently denied receiving prior notification of the eviction. M. Harish, a food truck owner, questioned the GVMC’s motives, stating, “There was no intimation at all. We are not blocking traffic and are maintaining proper sanitation. Hundreds of people visit this food court every day and it has become a favourite destination for food lovers. Why is the GVMC targeting us?”

Satish, another vendor, emphasized the devastating economic impact of the eviction, estimating that at least 500 families depend on the food court for their livelihoods. “Many of us took out bank loans to start these trucks and are paying EMIs every month. How can the GVMC suddenly take that away from us, when the matter is still in court?” he asked.

Local MLA Ch. Vamsikrishna Srinivas strongly condemned the GVMC’s decision, calling it detrimental to the city’s image. In a statement released from the Assembly Session, Srinivas argued that the food court provided affordable food options for commoners and was a vital amenity for Visakhapatnam, especially as it establishes itself as an IT hub. He urged the GVMC to adopt a regulatory approach, providing permits, setting rents, and offering legal support, rather than resorting to evictions that leave vulnerable families without income. “GVMC should immediately provide ID cards, fix rents, and support them legally, rather than resorting to such actions,” he said.

The situation remains tense, with the future of the Old Jail Road night food court uncertain. The GVMC has yet to announce specific plans for the cleared area.

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