Nashik MLA Devyani Pharande Reviews Pre-Monsoon Preparations
Nashik: On Sunday, MLA Devyani Pharande, along with local corporators, inspected multiple developmental projects undertaken by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Smart City initiative. During the visit, she emphasized the need to complete foundational work before the monsoon season to prevent sewage from contaminating the Godavari River.
Infrastructure improvements for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela and Smart City projects are progressing on a large scale. As a result, significant sections of the riverbanks have been excavated for the installation of continuous parallel sewer lines. While residents are already troubled by the widespread disruption, there are growing concerns that the NMC may have taken on more than it can manage.
“We are approaching June with uncertainty regarding rainfall due to the El Niño effect. If the monsoon or pre-monsoon showers arrive, these open drains along the riverbank could pose serious risks to both human life and property,” stated Ramesh Rahane, a resident living near the Godavari banks.
During her inspection, MLA Pharande assessed the progress of stormwater and underground sewerage pipelines, the Ram Jhula bridge, and the Saraf Bazar road. She issued strict instructions to the administration regarding sewage treatment and drain desilting to preserve the river’s purity. “Under no circumstances should the Godavari River become polluted during the rainy season. I have directed the administration to ensure proper planning for clearing all natural drains before the monsoon to prevent waterlogging in low-lying commercial areas such as Dahipul and Main Road,” Pharande said.
The legislator outlined specific technical interventions during the inspection and announced that a separate visit would be conducted within two days to review the mechanical gates installed near the Ahilyabai Holkar bridge for flood control. Additionally, the MLA stressed the need for a filtration plant as part of the Gandhi Talav beautification project and ordered a site survey for a proposed MSEDCL sub-station in the Bhadrakali area.
