Nashik Municipal Corporation Intensifies Anti-Encroachment Drive Ahead of 2027 Kumbh Mela
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched a significant anti-encroachment initiative along the Malegaon Stand-Ramkund stretch of the Godavari river in the Panchavati division. This drive, which commenced on Friday, targeted the removal of numerous roadside structures that were obstructing movement in one of the city's busiest corridors.
Focus on Key Areas and Initial Challenges
The operation specifically concentrated on clearing kiosks, stalls, and temporary extensions between Malegaon Stand and Ramkund, including adjacent areas around Godaghat. The drive faced initial resistance from a group of residents, leading to a temporary halt. However, it resumed under tight police security to ensure smooth execution.
An NMC official emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader, sustained campaign planned in preparation for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027. "Encroachments in the Ramkund-Godaghat stretch have been hampering pedestrian movement, religious gatherings, and overall civic hygiene, prompting immediate corrective steps," the official stated.
Municipal Commissioner's Directives and Recent Actions
Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri has directed officials to intensify anti-encroachment drives across major city routes in the coming months. This effort aims to ensure that key roads remain free of obstructions, thereby better managing traffic and pedestrian flow during the Kumbh Mela.
In recent weeks, NMC has accelerated action across several locations:
- A major drive along both sides of the Sarda Circle-Dwarka Circle stretch resulted in the removal of nearly 70 illegal structures.
- Last week, officials also razed illegal extensions along Dindori Road.
Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Sangita Nandurkar affirmed that the drive would continue until all temporary stalls, vendors, and unauthorized constructions are removed.
Long-Term Strategy and Resource Allocation
As part of its long-term strategy, NMC has identified 61 commercial markets across the city where encroachments will be removed in phases. To support on-ground implementation, the corporation has outsourced 160 personnel from two agencies for a three-year period at a cost of Rs 18 crore.
The deployment of these personnel is strategically planned:
- Around 50 personnel have been deployed in Panchavati to clear encroachments along the Shahi Marg—the traditional pilgrimage route from Tapovan to Ramkund—as well as around Kalaram Temple, Ramkund, and the proposed Ram Kal Path.
- The remaining 110 personnel have been assigned to the other five divisions—Nashik East, Nashik West, Nashik Road, Satpur, and Cidco—to ensure citywide clearance ahead of the Kumbh Mela.
This comprehensive approach follows previous actions, such as the clearance of several encroachments in Wadalagaon last December, underscoring NMC's commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and civic order in anticipation of the major religious event.
