In a significant political move ahead of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has presented a joint development blueprint for the city. Dubbed 'Shabda Thackerayncha' or the Thackerays' promises, the manifesto was formally announced by party chiefs Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray during their recent visit to Nashik.
A Blueprint for Urban Transformation
The manifesto positions the UBT-MNS combine as a pro-development front, aiming to blend modern infrastructure with environmental sustainability. A standout pledge is the commitment to deliver pothole-free roads backed by a 10-year guarantee, a direct address to a perennial civic woe. The plan includes strengthening internal and colony roads and devising special traffic management strategies near schools and hospitals to reduce congestion.
To tackle parking chaos, the alliance promises systematically planned parking zones across the city. It also vows to institute a 'Janata Darbar' system for effective public grievance redressal, emphasizing participatory governance. In a push for greater citizen involvement, the alliance proposes that 20% of the civic budget be allocated based on suggestions from residents.
Green Nashik and Heritage Conservation
Environmental protection forms a core pillar of the agenda. The alliance has committed to a strict ban on tree cutting and the preservation of greenery at Tapovan. Furthermore, it plans to develop green zones in all 31 municipal wards. A major ecological initiative is the rejuvenation of three Godavari tributaries—Nandini, Waldevi, and Kapila—under the proposed Nashik Climate Action Plan.
The manifesto also focuses on safeguarding Nashik's cultural identity. It includes plans to preserve historic structures and the city's heritage. With the Simhastha Kumbh Mela on the horizon, a long-term action plan is outlined for the event, focusing on the conservation and beautification of Godavari ghats, enhanced cleanliness drives, and robust traffic management.
Economic and Governance Reforms
On the economic front, the alliance aims to spur job creation by establishing an IT Park. It also promises improved town planning norms to strengthen overall city infrastructure and governance. For the education sector, the manifesto pledges to enhance the quality of municipal schools and transform Nashik into a knowledge hub to boost research and development.
Interestingly, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition partners—Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, Congress, and NCP (SP)—are contesting the polls together, it is the UBT and MNS that have chosen to release this separate joint manifesto, highlighting their specific vision for Nashik's future.
