Visakhapatnam Residents Join Happy Sunday As Farmers Protest Over Urea Distribution Issues
Visakhapatnam residents actively participated in the GVMC's Happy Sunday program, promoting fitness and social harmony. Simultaneously, farmers in Parvathipuram Manyam protested against the mandatory urea app, demanding that fertilizer supplies be redirected through local Rythu Seva Kendras to resolve ongoing procurement difficulties.
Highlights
- •Large numbers of residents participated in the GVMC Happy Sunday initiative in Visakhapatnam.
- •The program featured diverse activities including yoga, cultural performances, and sports across multiple city zones.
- •Farmers in Parvathipuram Manyam protested the reliance on a urea app for fertilizer distribution.
- •Protesters are demanding a return to fertilizer supply through Rythu Seva Kendras to address shortages.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) recently hosted its popular Happy Sunday initiative, drawing significant crowds across various zones of the city. Residents, ranging from students and senior citizens to members of local welfare associations, gathered to participate in a diverse array of health, cultural, and recreational activities held throughout the morning hours.
According to GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg, the community event is designed to foster social harmony, encourage public engagement, and promote overall wellness among citizens. The program, which has become a staple weekend activity, took place across various city parks, community halls, and open spaces, providing a platform for local residents to connect and enjoy various organized events.
Community Engagement and Challenges in Fertilisers Distribution
The scope of the Happy Sunday events was vast, featuring yoga sessions at Chepala Uppada in the Bheemili Zone and health awareness workshops at Swatantra Nagar Park in the Madhurawada Zone. Other activities included karate training in the East Zone, cultural dance performances at Vaibhav Park, and badminton coaching at the VUDA Layout Walkers' Park. These initiatives highlighted the corporation's efforts to utilize public spaces for community development.
While the city celebrated communal spirit, agricultural concerns persisted in the neighboring Parvathipuram Manyam district. Farmers staged a protest on Maradana Street in Komarada, expressing strong opposition to the mandated urea app. Organized by the CPM, the demonstration called for a return to traditional supply chains through Rythu Seva Kendras.
Protesters, led by local convener Kolli Sambamurthy, cited persistent technical glitches in the digital application that hindered timely access to essential fertilizers. Farmers reported facing long wait times at distribution centers only to return home empty-handed. They also criticized the current policy of limiting supply to one bag per acre, regardless of the actual landholding size, and urged the administration to ensure adequate availability based on crop requirements.
The agricultural community has warned of escalating protests if their demands for direct procurement and a more reliable distribution system are not met. They have further requested that the government provide comprehensive training for those adopting natural farming techniques, emphasizing that the current hurdles in obtaining urea remain a significant barrier to their productivity and welfare. The contrast between the urban celebration and the rural protest highlights the multifaceted challenges currently facing the region.
