The process of ward delimitation in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has reportedly been completed, with the final file now reaching the Municipal Commissioner from the Town Planning Department for further action.

The exercise gathered pace after the State government recently directed the civic body to increase the number of wards in GVMC from the existing 98 to 120, in view of the rapid expansion of city limits and the rising population in several peripheral areas. Following the directions, the Town Planning wing carried out an extensive survey across all zones under the corporation to redraw ward boundaries and ensure balanced representation.

According to sources in the Town Planning Department, special emphasis was laid on maintaining population uniformity in each ward during the delimitation exercise. Officials reportedly aimed to keep the population of every ward at around 15,800 to ensure administrative convenience and equitable representation.

A senior official from the Town Planning wing said field-level assessments were conducted in all zones before finalising the proposed ward structure.

With the file now before the GVMC Commissioner, the next stage will be to place the proposals in the public domain through the official website, zonal offices, and ward secretariats. It is learnt that once the GVMC releases the draft proposals, one week will be given for citizens to submit suggestions and objections. After scrutiny of the representations received, the file will be forwarded to the State government for approval and notification.

Sources said several public representatives have been urging the corporation and the State government to increase the number of wards to 150 instead of 120. Political circles are closely watching the development, as the proposed increase in wards is likely to significantly alter the electoral landscape ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.