VMC council discusses need for EV charging stations, drain works

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) council meeting discussed the need for setting up electric vehicle charging stations and completing the drain works before the arrival of monsoon, among other items, on Wednesday.

MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao proposed that EV public charging stations be set up in the VMC limits, considering the rising number of electric vehicles in the city. He said that such stations should come in parking slots. The proposal was approved, and the council also approved the adoption of the Andhra Pradesh Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy (SEMP), which paves way for creating an integrated ecosystem for expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure.

CPI(M) floor leader B. Satya Babu proposed that the reservoirs sanctioned in the city to address the drinking water problems, and the pipelines be constructed immediately, and that steps be taken to ensure that the water is not contaminated. He also suggested that de-silting be carried out in all major and minor drains in the city, and that the work under the stormwater drain project be completed.

Meanwhile, 52nd Ward member Ummadi Venkateswara Rao stated that while the population of the city was growing, there was no corresponding increase in the number of public toilets, and the existing ones were not being maintained properly. He proposed that the public toilets in the city be properly maintained, and the council approved his proposal.

It may be recalled that the elections for the VMC council were last held in March 2021, and the term of the elected body is coming to an end on March 17, 2026. Towards the end of the council meeting, the corporators thanked Mayor R. Bhagyalakshmi and VMC Commissioner Dhyanachandra H.M. also thanked the council for their cooperation.