Nagpur: In a candid discussion with media personnel on Monday, Nagpur Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari acknowledged the challenges faced by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) in effectively addressing civic concerns. The absence of City Fathers, a general body of elected representatives, for over two years has significantly hampered the NMC’s ability to monitor and resolve urban issues, according to Chaudhari.
Addressing the media, Chaudhari emphasized that the oversight usually provided by elected members is crucial for the NMC’s operational effectiveness. “The NMC’s working system requires better monitoring and strengthening,” he stated, responding to criticism over the civic body’s failure to address critical issues in a timely manner.
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He cited the poor quality of tar road work between Ram Nagar and Shankar Nagar Square as a prime example of these shortcomings. Chaudhari assured the public that contractors responsible for substandard work would face strict consequences, including the enforcement of the Defect Liability Period (DLP) and potential FIRs against those whose work fails within this period.
Chaudhari attributed the rapid deterioration of roads to heavy traffic and insufficient time for proper road strengthening. He noted that the NMC is actively working to address potholes on its roads as well as those owned by other agencies. Plans are also underway to upgrade the NMC’s decades-old hotmix plant and acquire new vehicles for tar road construction, which are expected to improve road conditions across the city.
Reflecting on past issues with State-funded projects, Chaudhari introduced a new clause in NMC tenders, stipulating that contractors working on such projects will be paid only once the State Government releases the funds. This measure aims to address delays in payment disbursement, which have previously sparked criticism.
Regarding the city’s aging infrastructure, Chaudhari pointed out that many sewerage lines are over 40 years old and that the redevelopment of housing colonies has further strained the existing networks. However, he expressed optimism that pollution abatement projects for the Nag and Pora rivers would alleviate sewage blockages, thereby enhancing storm water and sewerage systems across central, north, and south Nagpur.
On the public health front, Chaudhari acknowledged a rise in chikungunya and dengue cases in the city. He noted that while fogging has limited effectiveness in controlling mosquitoes, spraying insecticides offers longer-lasting results. Additionally, in response to unclean open plots contributing to the spread of diseases, the NMC has filed FIRs against over 50 property owners for failing to maintain proper hygiene.
