more-in Cleanliness is not meant only for implementation at the time of Swachh Survekshan but should be followed all through the year. A greater awareness is needed among the citizens against dumping of garbage into the drains and littering public places, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan has said. “Proper disposal of garbage, apart from ensuring cleanliness and hygiene, will also help in reducing the incidence of dengue and viral fevers. We plan to introduce several changes in the next five to six months to ensure cleanliness but the foremost thing is public awareness and cooperation in keeping the city clean,” the Commissioner told a media conference here on Friday. The Swachh Survekshan 2019 to be conducted across all cities and towns in the country would be held between January 4 and 31, 2019. While there were only three parameters – Service Level Progress, direct observation and citizen feedback – in the 2018 survey, the forthcoming survey would also have certification, which includes 20 % marks for Star rating and 5 % marks for ODF (Open Defecation Free). ‘Water levels up’ The Commissioner said that the water levels in various reservoirs in the city have improved compared to last year due good inflows as a result of the recent rains. He, however, impressed upon the citizens to ensure having proper rainwater harvesting structures at their homes to improve the groundwater table. Under the Smart City Project, 26 projects were taken up at a cost of ?363.37 crore. Of these, projects worth ?30 crore were completed, while 17 projects were in various stages of execution and were expected to be completed in the next few months. The Jalaripeta housing, Underground Cabling, with the involvement of EPDCL, and multi-level parking, with participation of VUDA, were taken up under the ‘convergence project’. ‘Pay tax arrears’ On property tax collections, Mr. Harinarayanan said that the tax collections (Vacant Land Tax and House Tax) so far this year were ?124.47 crore, which was much higher than ?100.48 crore collected last year. GVMC was yet to get ?90 crore in the form of arrears and appealed to the citizens to pay their arrears promptly to avoid penal action. The taxes were being utilised on provision of infrastructure development in outlying areas like Madhurawada and Pendurthy. Replying to queries, he said there was a decline in dengue cases this month in the city compared to last month. Plastic Waste Management Rules were being followed and use of carry bags below 40 microns thickness was not allowed.

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