Operation Lungs in Vizag sparks protests after road vendors removed over encroachments

GVMC stated that shops were unauthorised and contributed no revenue to the municipality Sri Lakshmi Muttevi | Published on :

Visakhapatnam: What was intended as a city development initiative has turned into a setback for many street vendors.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has launched Operation Lungs (Life to Urban Green Spaces) 2.0 to clear encroachments and restore public spaces, but the move has drawn sharp criticism.

GVMC removed nearly 1,700 roadside vendors

As part of the drive, GVMC removed nearly 1,700 roadside vendors and small shops that had occupied footpaths and service roads, particularly along Old Jail Road, a popular hub for night food stalls.

Officials said they had received repeated complaints about street vendors blocking half the road, le