Wed Nov 19 18:19:28 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is set to hold a council meeting on November 21, 2025, with a 90-point agenda focused on development projects. A key proposal involves establishing three smart vending zones under a PPP model to relocate vendors displaced by “Operation LUNGS.” These zones would feature amenities like electricity, lighting, Wi-Fi, security, and sanitation. The meeting is anticipated to be contentious, with opposition parties planning to raise issues such as “Operation LUNGS,” the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatization, and concerns related to contractors.

News Article:

Visakhapatnam Gears Up for Heated Council Meeting as Smart Vending Zone Plan Takes Center Stage

Visakhapatnam, India – November 19, 2025 – The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is bracing for a potentially turbulent council meeting scheduled for November 21st, where a comprehensive 90-point agenda dominated by development projects will be debated.

A central proposal set to be discussed is the establishment of three modern “Smart Vending Zones” in Old Jail Road, Yendada, and Beach Road. This initiative is intended to address the displacement of street vendors following the recent “Operation Life to Urban Green Spaces (LUNGS),” which aimed to clear footpaths and roadways of unauthorized stalls.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, along with other officials, personally inspected the proposed sites. “The GVMC has decided to establish 21 Smart Vending Zones across the city. As part of the first phase, three vending zones are being set up in Zones 2, 4, and 6 under the Private Public Partnership (PPP) model with beneficiary contribution,” stated Mr. Garg.

According to the GVMC, these state-of-the-art vending zones will offer vendors improved facilities, including portable containers equipped with fans, lighting, and security features like CCTV surveillance. Solar power will be used to reduce the carbon footprint, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, dedicated seating areas, and sanitation facilities are planned for public use. Each zone will also have dedicated Central Management System.

However, the upcoming meeting is expected to be far from smooth sailing. Opposition parties are reportedly preparing to challenge the corporation on several fronts, including the controversial “Operation LUNGS,” the ongoing Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) privatization issue, and a range of concerns related to contractors, TDR bonds, Urban Community Development, Town Planning and Public Health. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has already held a meeting to strategize their approach to the council discussions.

The GVMC council meeting promises to be a pivotal moment for the city, balancing development initiatives with the needs and concerns of its residents.

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