Visakhapatnam: In 2023, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) launched an ambitious initiative to transform Visakhapatnam into a green city by converting 50 per cent of the terraces in Vizag into gardens. The Eco Green programme had been launched in collaboration with the City Terrace Garden Association (CTGA), aimed at enhancing urban greenery and promoting a cleaner environment
However, a year later, the initiative's progress has been disappointing, falling short of its target and highlighting the need for intensified efforts. CTGA kick started its programme with a terrace garden awareness campaign in Yendada Rajiv Nagar Colony, visiting over 500 houses to educate residents about the benefits of terrace gardening. C.M. Saikanth Verma, the then GVMC commissioner, praised the association for its efforts in promoting the green initiative by distributing various vegetable seeds to encourage terrace gardening.
At the time, GVMC officials had been hopeful that 50 per cent of the houses will surely go for terrace gardens, enhancing the city's environmental quality and aesthetics. However, after a year, it has been found that only 28 per cent of Visakhapatnam's houses have developed terrace gardens. This is because the GVMC, which launched terrace gardening alongside the plastic ban, appears to focus solely on the latter.
T. Manoramani, a dedicated member of CTGA, regretting that the corporation’s enthusiasm towards terrace garden initiative has waned. She, however, maintained that this has made them only redouble their efforts. M. Aishwarya, a member of the Nature Gardeners, underlined that they are tirelessly working across the city and encouraging women gardeners to start terrace gardening. Active members of the City Terrace Garden Association have raised concerns about GVMC’s commitment to the vision of terrace gardening. When contacted, corporation officials maintained that they are continuing to working towards converting terraces into gardens.
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