Jana Sena leader urges GVMC to act against Mudasarlova encroachers

Visakhapatnam: Former Jana Sena corporator Peethala Murthy Yadav has urged the authorities to protect the Mudasarlova reservoir in Visakhapatnam. He submitted a representation to GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg during the weekly grievance programme on Monday. Speaking to media on this occasion, Murthy said that while the central and State governments were spending large amounts to revive ponds, tanks and other water bodies, the Mudasarlova reservoir was facing large scale encroachments.

“The reservoir, which is naturally formed between hills, should be protected and strengthened. The need of the hour is to conserve the feeder channels flowing into the reservoir and improve its storage capacity According to government records, the reservoir spreads across 836.38 acres. The GVMC, which manages the reservoir, has full authority over the lands within its limits. The GVMC council had already passed a resolution in 2025 for protection of the reservoir lands. I request the authorities to implement it immediately,” said Murthy.

He alleged that lands within the reservoir area have been allotted for various purposes, including a railway zonal office, recreation projects, roads and other government requirements. He expressed concern that such allotments could damage its catchment area and reduce its capacity.

“Compensation for removal of encroachments should be handled by the revenue department as per rules, and allocating GVMC land as compensation would be against regulations. I urge the authorities to cancel the resolution and withdraw proposals to allot reservoir land to encroachers,” Murthy added.