CPI(M) corporator from Ward 78, B. Ganga Rao, alleged that the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has privatised the Indoor Sports Arena which was constructed at MVP Colony below the Smart City initiative. He stated that due to this choice, enthusiastic sportspersons might not be capable to afford the costs which might be fastened as month-to-month/annual charges.

Addressing a press convention right here on Thursday, Mr. Ganga Rao alleged that the sports activities enviornment constructed in a 1.10 acre plot with a finances of almost ₹25 crore was inaugurated by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy final month. The air-conditioned sports activities advanced has 4 badminton courts, two swimming swimming pools, a basketball courtroom, two table-tennis courts, strolling tracks, open gymnasium, dormitories, and boardroom video games. He stated that the non-public company has been charging ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 for varied sports activities. The costs are further on Sundays. Apart from all these, the company has additionally determined to gather 18% GST, he stated.

The sports activities complexes are purported to facilitate the general public in view of their well being and rejuvenation, however the company is seeing them as income turbines, he expressed displeasure..

The CPI(M) chief additionally expressed doubts on choosing the company by the GVMC. He stated that the company has taken over the stadium on lease for 5 years. The GVMC should disclose the lease settlement made, he demanded.

“The decision to privatise the sports complex was not brought before the GVMC council. How can the GVMC privatise smart city projects? Moreover, the municipal swimming pools at Beach Road and Gajuwaka have been undergoing renovation for a long time. Despite repeated requests from the people, the works have not picked up pace,” he stated.

Mr Ganga Rao stated that regardless of accumulating taxes in varied types, the GVMC has failed to supply fundamental sports activities services to the residents.