The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has announced a ban on single-use plastic starting January 1, 2025, in a bid to make Visakhapatnam a plastic-free city. The decision was revealed by Mayor Golgani Hari Venkata Kumari during the GVMC's annual review meeting.

A 45-day awareness campaign is underway to inform citizens about the harmful effects of plastic, and strict penalties will be imposed on violators once the ban is enforced.

In 2024, GVMC completed 813 projects worth Rs 185.21 crore, including Rs 672 crore under the Smart City initiative, with 58 out of 61 projects completed. Additionally, the city sterilised over 1.16 lakh stray dogs and released 8.5 lakh Gambusia fish to control mosquito breeding, significantly reducing seasonal diseases.

Property tax collections reached Rs 283.59 crore, and welfare efforts amounted to Rs 62.78 crore for the NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme. Visakhapatnam also received accolades, including the "Swachh Bhagidari" award, and was ranked as India's fourth cleanest city.