Council hall revamp ahead of meeting

Vijayawada: Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has launched extensive renovation and modernisation works at its main Council Hall to accommodate expanded council following increase in the number of municipal divisions from 64 to 86.

The civic authorities are making arrangements to provide improved infrastructure and modern facilities for the smooth functioning of the expanded council.

Renovation of the Council Hall has been taken up on a priority basis ahead of the special council meeting scheduled for November 23 to elect the Deputy Mayor. The corporation is racing against time to complete the works before the crucial meeting.

As the council strength increased, civic authorities have taken up extensive renovation works to provide adequate seating arrangements and modern facilities for the newly elected representatives.

The expanded council will comprise 86 corporators, besides co-option members, MPs, MLAs and other ex-officio representatives. The existing Council Hall was designed to accommodate 64 corporators along with six co-option members and other representatives. As part of the renovation plan, seating capacity is being increased from 70 to around 110 to ensure that all members can participate in council proceedings comfortably.

Renovation works include the installation of new furniture, improvement of acoustics and upgrading of audio-visual systems. Seating arrangements are also being redesigned to accommodate the increased number of representatives.

Modernisation is aimed at ensuring better communication and smooth conduct of council meetings without space constraints.

The VMC authorities are making seating arrangements in the Council Hall for the floor leaders and members of the expanded council.

The council comprises 53 TDP, 19 Jana Sena Party, four BJP, eight YSRCP and one CPM corporator, besides one Independent member. In addition, the hall has to accommodate around eight co-opted members, ex-officio members, the MP, three MLAs and several MLCs.

Meanwhile, renovation works are under way on the second floor of the main VMC office building to upgrade Mayor’s chamber to give a facelift to it. Necessary repairs and spatial modifications are being carried out to provide a spacious and well-equipped office for the Mayor. As part of the rearrangement, the Chief City Planner’s office is being shifted to another location to facilitate the renovation and expansion of the chamber.

Municipal authorities are giving top priority to the renovation works, setting November 23 as the deadline for their completion.

The special council meeting assumes significance as the newly elected council members will participate in the election of the Deputy Mayor. The civic body is keen to complete the seating arrangements, furniture installation and other infrastructure improvements well in advance to ensure the smooth conduct of the meeting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dasari Srinivasa Rao

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Dasari Srinivasa Rao is a Staff Reporter with The Hans India, covering NTR and Krishna districts, with a primary focus on Vijayawada. He has 32 years of experience in journalism. His reporting spans a wide range of beats, including city and rural development, politics, irrigation, education, crime, and human-interest stories.

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