The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation adapts exclusive space for pedestrians - Vizag Square in a novel initiative aimed at promoting social cohesion

In an innovative effort aimed at encouraging social cohesion, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is developing an exclusive zone for pedestrians in the centre of the city, inspired by the notion of 'tactical urbanism'. A 100-metre stretch at Dutt Island was chosen as a test site and is being painted by artists. The Vizag Square space will soon be accessible to the public for social events such as an unexpected live performance by a musician or a modest exhibition by a promising painter.

"On Dutt Island, there is some land that is not being used appropriately. As a result, we want to execute a concept known as tactical urbanism. We are cleaning up the area and will shortly be putting in some chairs. We will assess public reaction to the programme and its influence on traffic flow. If the results are satisfactory, we will create additional similar areas around the city," stated GVMC Commissioner C.M. Saikanth Varma.