The faculty members of GITAM School of Architecture actively participated in the stakeholder consultation meeting organized by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA). The meeting, led by Smt. V. Shilpa, Chief Urban Planner along with her team, was part of the ongoing initiative to revisit and revise the Master Plan 2041 for Visakhapatnam. LEA Associates South Asia Pvt. Ltd., the appointed planning consultants for the master plan, also facilitated the session.

Dr. Amrita Shukla, Ar. Krishna Kasi, Ar. Hema Gudla, and Ar. Jyoti Marri represented GITAM at the session, which brought together key voices from academia, urban planning, and civil society to deliberate on the future development of the city. The faculty members contributed significantly to the dialogue, particularly emphasizing the importance of shaping Visakhapatnam as a Compassionate City — one that is inclusive, people-centric, and sustainable.

The discussion focused on critical urban issues such as land use development, mobility, heritage conservation, and sustainability. The GITAM team highlighted the necessity for integrated planning approaches that balance growth with environmental and social responsibility. They advocated for equitable mobility solutions, sensitive development near heritage zones, and policies promoting climate resilience and sustainable urban design.