Tag: visakhapatnam

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Visakhapatnam’s property tax collects over ₹510 crore

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has set a record in property tax collections, exceeding ₹510 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, a full eight days before the accounts close. This outstrips last year’s collection of ₹500 crore, with officials optimistic about reaching ₹600 crore by March 31, thanks to a 50% interest waiver on outstanding dues provided by the state government. Of an additional ₹80 crore in demand, ₹50 crore has already been collected this year. Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) S Srinivasa Rao mentioned that the waiver will lessen the burden on taxpayers and enhance collections. “We expect to…

Latest StoriesResidential

Andhra Pradesh Offers 50% Waiver on Property Tax Dues

VIJAYAWADA: The state government announced on Tuesday a one-time 50% waiver on interest for accumulated property tax arrears for the financial year 2025-26 across all municipalities and municipal corporations. This waiver is accessible to taxpayers who pay 100% of the principal property tax dues, as well as the remaining 50% interest, in a single lump-sum payment by March 31. The government specified that this offer is time-limited and will not be extended. Additionally, any interest that has already been paid will not be refunded and can only be adjusted against future tax demands as per existing provisions. Property tax is…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

VMRDA Launches ‘Vizag Bay City’ Coastal Project in Visakhapatnam

Representative AI image VISAKHAPATNAM: Following NITI Aayog’s proposal for the development of ‘Vizag Bay City’ as a 40-sq-km integrated coastal hub, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is now moving forward with this initiative. The urban development agency has issued a request for proposals to find a consultant that will create an area development plan along with a catalytic project strategy. The NITI report outlines a vision to transform a 25-km stretch along the coastline between Kailasagiri and Bheemunipatnam into a lively, mixed-use waterfront city. Inspired by global models like Miami’s Bayshore Corridor and Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach, the Bay…

Latest StoriesRera

Andhra RERA Chief: Builders Must Register Projects Mandatorily

VISAKHAPATNAM: A Siva Reddy, the chairman of AP RERA, has mandated that all housing projects in the state covering an area of 500 square meters or more, or featuring more than eight apartments, must register with the AP RERA Authority. Reddy highlighted the construction sector’s significance as the second most vital economic sector after agriculture. He mentioned that awareness programs are being conducted statewide to educate both the public and builders about the RERA Act. “The Act aims to enhance the construction sector’s development while protecting and ensuring homebuyer welfare. Projects that fail to register with RERA will be subjected…

Latest StoriesResidential

Soaring Land Prices Drive Visakhapatnam’s Vertical Housing Boom

Representative AI image VISAKHAPATNAM: The surge in land prices and a limited supply of well-located plots have prompted a transformation in the city’s residential landscape. Developers are increasingly favoring high-rise constructions—ranging from 40 to 50 stories—over low-rise structures of 5 to 15 floors. As new investments flood into Vizag, land costs in prime areas have soared to a point where low-rise developments are typically no longer feasible. Vertical housing offers buyers lower per-square-foot prices (₹1,000–₹1,500 less) and superior amenities compared to standalone buildings. High-rise development enhances land-use efficiency, ensuring projects remain economically viable. Developers cite the necessity of distributing high…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Visakhapatnam: GVMC Starts Zone-Wise Development Plans Post-Reorg

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has expanded its administrative structure from eight to ten zones and is now in the process of crafting detailed zonal and ward-level development plans. This restructuring is intended to enhance grassroots administration and better align municipal governance with Assembly constituencies. Previously, with the eight-zone system, there were frequent mismatches, leading to wards being assigned to zones that did not correspond with their constituencies. This situation caused coordination difficulties, procedural delays, and gaps in service delivery. For instance, wards in the Visakhapatnam East and North constituencies fell under different zones, necessitating complex cross-constituency coordination…

IndustryLatest Stories

Andhra’s First Slum Rehabilitation Authority in Visakhapatnam

Representative AI image VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has announced plans to amend the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Act of 1979, marking a significant step towards establishing a Slum Rehabilitation Authority in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of urban redevelopment under the newly introduced Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) program. GVMC has initiated pilot projects for slum redevelopment in Velampeta and Indira Gandhi Nagar, submitting proposals to the state government. Both localities are set to be transformed into high-rise residential complexes. Currently, residents face challenges related to inadequate housing, cramped living conditions, poor sanitation, and a…

Latest StoriesResidential

Andhra Pradesh to Build Homes for 177 Velampeta Slum Families

VISAKHAPATNAM: The government of Andhra Pradesh has announced plans to build homes for 177 families residing in the Velampeta slum area of Visakhapatnam. This decision came during a meeting led by P Narayana, the municipal administration and urban development minister, with officials from the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA), including GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg and VMRDA metropolitan commissioner Tej Bharath, held in Amaravati. Financial decisions regarding the housing project will be made shortly. In December, Minister Narayana visited Velampeta Lakshmi Nagar slum in the Vizag South constituency, accompanied by local representatives and officials. Residents, many of whom are daily…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

CREDAI Calls for Centralized STPs for Safer Vizag Operations

VISAKHAPATNAM: Addressing rising concerns regarding the operations of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in large apartment complexes, CREDAI-Visakhapatnam is advocating for a structured and centralized system to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. According to government regulations, high-rise residential buildings with more than 100 dwelling units are mandated to install STPs. While these systems are crucial for wastewater treatment and recycling, their routine operation is often handed over to apartment associations post-construction. Many associations opt to hire third-party agencies for management due to a lack of technical expertise in-house. CREDAI leaders warn that inadequate vetting of these operators is becoming a…

Latest StoriesResidential

EESL to Provide Energy-Efficient Solutions to PMAY in Andhra Pradesh

NEW DELHI: EESL Energy Efficiency Services has signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh State Housing Corporation Ltd (APSHCL) to implement energy-efficient solutions. As part of this initiative, beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) will receive a starter package that includes four 5-star rated LED bulbs, two LED batten tube lights, and two brushless direct current (BLDC) ceiling fans, according to an EESL statement. EESL has partnered with APSHCL to launch a significant energy-efficiency campaign under the PMAY initiative, aimed at enhancing housing for all. Published On Jan 30, 2026 at 07:17 AM IST Join a community of…