Hyderabad, Jan. 31 -- Amid a tense atmosphere and strong protests from opposition parties, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation on Friday approved the regularisation of 54.79 acres of land, under the occupation of GITAM University at Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam, people familiar with the matter said.

A resolution to this effect was passed by the GVMC council by voice vote without any discussion along with 14 other items on the agenda.

Mayor Peela Srinivas Rao declared that the agenda was adopted unanimously and adjourned the council, prompting strong opposition from YSR Congress Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist) members.

A tense atmosphere prevailed at the GVMC office, as protests by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) corp...