A view of the ‘Haritha Ashrayam’ structure set up by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation at RTC complex junction in Visakhapatnam on Friday.
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As part of its Summer Action Plan, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has introduced a unique initiative to provide relief to commuters battling the scorching summer heat in the city. The civic body’s engineering wing has set up a specially designed green shade structure, named ‘Haritha Ashrayam’, at the busy RTC Complex junction on a pilot basis.
The shade has been erected over a traffic stretch to offer protection to motorists, pedestrians and commuters waiting at signals during peak afternoon hours. Earlier, such a model was implemented at the Assilmetta area.
According to the engineering wing officials, keeping in view the frequent strong winds and sudden rains experienced in the city, the authorities have designed the structure with safety and durability in mind. Special measures have been taken to ensure that the shade remains firm and does not get damaged or fly away during gusty winds. To further enhance comfort levels, the GVMC has also arranged water sprinkling beneath the structure, creating a cooling effect and helping reduce the heat for commuters passing through the junction.
The initiative has already started drawing attention from the public, with many commuters appreciating the effort taken by the civic authorities to provide comfort during the harsh summer season.
Chief engineer of the GVMC, Satyanarayana Raju said that the RTC Complex model is being closely monitored.
“If the structure proves successful, it would be taken forward to the GVMC chief and we plan to replicate the same model at several other major junctions points this summer,” he said.
Published – May 08, 2026 08:01 pm IST
