Nashik road potholes linked to Kumbh Mela works spark protests and calls for probes

Opposition Seeks Action Against Officials, Contractors

Nashik: A series of accidents has been reported in Nashik since this morning, as roads in the area stretching from Aurangabad Naka to Dwarka have become muddy and slippery due to the rain. Reports indicate that as many as ten accidents have occurred in this locality so far today.In the Dwarka area, a two-wheeler rider was seriously injured after his vehicle skidded. Suffering from bleeding from his nose and mouth, he was immediately rushed to a private hospital for treatment by other motorists present at the scene.The city has been witnessing a spate of accidents caused by potholes for some time now. In the Amrutdham-Hirawadi area, two youths, Kunal Mahale and Prabhakar Mane, sustained serious injuries after their two-wheeler skidded into a pothole; reports suggest they required eight to ten stitches. It is estimated that potholes and incomplete roadworks in the city have claimed five lives and left over a hundred people injured so far.Nashik: New VC Dr Venkat Gite Pledges Research-Driven Growth And Student-Centric Education Despite the Municipal Corporation’s claims of a "pothole-free Nashik," citizens are expressing their dissatisfaction with the administration by sharing videos of the potholes on social media. Comments such as "The roads are muddy and full of potholes; accidents won't stop" and "The pothole-filling work is merely a token gesture" are circulating widely.Citizens have demanded immediate action from the Municipal Corporation administration. With the rising number of accidents caused by mud, potholes, and slippery road conditions, there is a strong demand for the administration to urgently undertake repairs and implement safety measures.

Nashik: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Nashik and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi have submitted separate memoranda to the Nashik Municipal Corporation regarding the accidents and hardships faced by citizens due to life-threatening potholes in the city. Both organisations have demanded immediate, permanent remedial measures and warned of launching an agitation if no action is taken.The memorandum, submitted under the leadership of AAP Nashik City President Nitinsing Ahirrao, outlines the demands such as potholes on all city roads must be filled immediately, and permanent repairs must be carried out. An independent and impartial inquiry should be conducted into the road repair tender process. Strict administrative and legal action must be taken against the officials, engineers, and contractors found responsible. Appropriate financial compensation should be provided to the families of citizens who lost their lives and to those injured due to the poor condition of the roads. A system for regular quality checks and accountability regarding roads must be established to prevent such incidents in the future.The memorandum states that if concrete action is not taken within seven days of its receipt, the Aam Aadmi Party Nashik will launch an intensified public agitation using democratic means—such as a mass protest, a gherao (siege) of the municipal corporation, a thali-bajao (clanging of plates) protest, and other democratic forms of demonstration. The Nashik Municipal Corporation administration will be held solely responsible for any situation arising from such protests.Nashik: Collector Calls For Collective Efforts To Make City A Global Export Hub Statement by Vanchit Bahujan AghadiChetan Shamrao Gangurde, the Nashik West District President of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner highlighting that city roads have become riddled with potholes due to Kumbh Mela-related works, leading to numerous accidents and even fatalities among citizens. The memorandum notes that potholes filled using temporary methods reopen within hours, the quality of repairs is extremely poor, and there is a lack of coordination among the various agencies involved.He has demanded permanent repairs, compensation, action against those responsible, and the implementation of concrete measures to prevent future accidents.Emphasising the critical nature of citizens' safety, both organisations have urged the authorities to take immediate cognisance of the memorandum and initiate the necessary action.

Nashik: Road conditions in Nashik city have deteriorated drastically due to Kumbh Mela development projects; potholes and muddy roads have claimed five lives so far. This has sparked intense resentment and anger among the residents of Nashik. Angry citizens are taking to social media to vehemently demand the resignations of responsible officials and politicians. Calls for the resignation of Kumbh Mela Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri, and Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan are gaining particular momentum. Some have even criticised them by labelling them as "outsiders."While the Nashik Municipal Corporation claims that pothole-filling operations are proceeding in full swing, videos circulating on social media paint a different picture. Citizens are sharing numerous videos showing that the potholes filled by the corporation reopen after just a few hours of traffic, with the repair material washing away. This has eroded public trust in the administration's work.Nashik: Probe Sought Into Alleged NAFED-NCCF Onion Procurement Irregularities Citizen OutrageCitizens are voicing their frustration: "We honestly pay our road and property taxes. But what do we get in return? Vehicles get damaged, and we have to spend thousands of rupees every month on garage repairs. Potholes cause serious health issues like spinal disorders and back pain. We end up paying lakhs in hospital bills following accidents. The Municipal Corporation is responsible for all these losses!"Citizens have put forward clear demands to the Municipal Corporation: the corporation should bear vehicle repair costs, provide compensation for all medical expenses (including spinal injuries), and immediately establish a 'Compensation and Claims Cell.' There is a strong demand that, failing this, all concerned officials and politicians should resign.Lawyer and social activist Adv. Ajinkya Gite said, “The Kumbh Mela has been held in Nashik for centuries. However, citizens and activists state that this is the first time such a massive administrative failure has been witnessed. A lack of coordination among various government agencies is clearly evident. The Municipal Commissioner once issued a letter stating that no additional funds were required as fuel prices were stable; yet, a week later, contractors were granted 'star rates'. It is reported that over ₹252 crore has been spent so far on filling potholes. Allegations are being made that Kumbh Mela Commissioner Shekhar Singh has not held a single press conference and has failed to address the public's concerns.”He added, "The Kumbh Mela has been held for centuries, but this is the first time we are seeing such administrative failure. There is no coordination among the agencies. Officials should feel ashamed and resign. The patience of Nashik residents is running out; do not test it."Nashik: Kundaje, Agharkar Clinch Gold At State Masters Table Tennis ChampionshipIf Nashik city does not become free of potholes within eight days, then Minister Girish Mahajan should not come to Nashik to hoist the flag on August 15th. If 'Kumbh Mela Minister' Girishbhau Mahajan fails to keep this promise, he should voluntarily refrain from coming to Nashik for the flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15th. He should clearly tell Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: "Sir,I cannot keep the word I gave, I cannot fulfill the commitment,therefore, I will not go to Nashik for the flag-hoisting from now on,"and he should voluntarily step down from the post of Kumbh Mela Minister. Dattu Bodke, activist Reactions from ActivistsActivist Dattu Bodke said, "Claims by the Municipal Corporation that they are filling potholes are completely misleading. The entire city has turned into a vast area riddled with potholes. There isn't a single road that is easy to traverse. All potholes in the city must be filled. There is massive corruption involved in this work; a CBI inquiry should be conducted. Although Nashik MLAs met the Chief Minister and demanded the removal of these officials, they still hold their posts. I urge these officials to resign voluntarily. Public outrage has reached its peak. The government should not test the people's patience."Talha Shaikh an activist: “The administration, government was aware about the Kumbh Mela dates 12 years ago. Still they started the work at a very high time, when Kumbh mela is just a few months away. More than 50% of roads are dug in the city and the traffic is diverted to other remaining roads which proved fatal as their condition worsened due to traffic and heavy vehicles on roads due to ongoing works. There is no planning, no management or coordination in these works. The officials and politicians have failed the people. The sitting BJP party is in power from NMC to the Center but still the local representatives have to request these officials. They are people’s representatives and they should take a strict stance if the people are facing such tremendous hardships.” Outrage on Social MediaResidents of Nashik are expressing their anger on social media. Reactions such as “We pay taxes, yet travelling on the roads puts our lives at risk,” “Potholes damage vehicles and harm our health,” “Officials should resign,” and “Do potholes persist despite an expenditure of ₹252 crore?” are being voiced widely. Some have also strongly criticised the mismanagement surrounding the Kumbh Mela.As the anger among Nashik residents mounts, there is an expectation that the administration will immediately implement concrete measures and seriously address the citizens' demands.

Nashik: Facing severe criticism over damaged roads, massive traffic congestion, and five accidental deaths, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched a war-footing drive to repair potholes across the city. The civic administration claims that nearly 3,000 potholes have been filled over the past five days, with the highest number of repairs carried out in the Satpur division.Over the past few months, several infrastructure projects have been underway across Nashik. As construction related to the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela gathers pace, residents have been struggling with pothole-ridden roads and heavy traffic congestion, leading to widespread public resentment. Political parties and social organisations have strongly protested the situation, with some announcing agitations. Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan also faced public criticism and subsequently convened an emergency meeting, directing officials to undertake pothole repairs on a war footing. Nashik: Probe Sought Into Alleged NAFED-NCCF Onion Procurement Irregularities According to civic officials, materials such as murrum (gravel), cold mix asphalt, milling material, and GSB (Granular Sub-Base) are being used for the repairs. The repair work is currently in full swing across Satpur, Panchavati, New Nashik, Nashik Road, and Old Nashik. Officials said that although heavy rainfall has subsided, intermittent showers continue to hamper the work. The municipal administration has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the repair drive and making Nashik's roads pothole-free.

Nashik: Accidents have increased in the city because roads were dug up without proper planning—ostensibly for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela leaving them riddled with potholes. Protesting against this situation, the Nashik City Congress Committee, led by President Nilesh Khaire, staged a vigorous demonstration at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan at 10:00 AM. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Vice-President Sharad Aher was also present on the occasion.Nilesh Khaire sharply criticised the municipal administration and the ruling parties. He stated, "The Municipal Commissioner, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Standing Committee Chairman have formed their own respective factions. They have neglected their responsibilities toward the citizens of Nashik, remaining preoccupied with awarding contracts while eyeing the ₹25,000 crore fund allocated for the Kumbh Mela. This protest aims to jolt them into action." He alleged that the actual death toll from accidents caused by potholes exceeds one hundred, whereas the administration is reporting figures for only five deaths. During the protest, slogans such as "Shame on the municipal administration," "Officials: stop the CORRUPTION now," "Contractors: stop the CORRUPTION now," and "Shame on those indulging in commission-seeking" were raised. Subsequently, a memorandum was submitted to the Municipal Commissioner.Nashik: Industrial Associations Warn Of Mass Agitation Over Pothole-Ridden Roads, Demand Concrete Infrastructure Three Key Demands in the Memorandum1) Immediately repair the potholes on roads within the Nashik Municipal Corporation limits to provide relief to citizens.2) The compensation announced for citizens who lost their lives in accidents caused by potholes is grossly inadequate; it should be increased to a substantial amount. The Municipal Corporation and State Government should provide assistance to ensure the injured receive immediate medical aid.3) Register serious criminal cases, such as murder charges, against the officials and contractors responsible for the accidents and deaths caused by potholes. The statement clarified that if the potholes are not repaired immediately, the Congress party will launch more intense protests against the municipal administration.Nashik: Industrial Associations Warn Of Mass Agitation Over Pothole-Ridden Roads, Demand Concrete Infrastructure Leaders and Activists PresentA large number of office-bearers and activists were present on this occasion, including Ulhas Satbhai, Women's Wing President Swati Jadhav, Uddhav Pawar, Dnyaneshwar Kale, Jayesh Pokale, Abhijit Raut, Bharat Patil, Zakir Attar, Bhalchandra Patil, Sudesh More, Gaurav Sonar, Datta Sonawane, Vrinda Shere, Julie D'Souza, Mira Sable, Nuri Appa, Anita Kharade, Sandeep Wagh, Adv. Sagar Vahule, Shrikant Shere, Vilas Nikumbh, Mushtaq Qureshi, Santosh Thakur, Arun Donde, Ramkisan Chavan, Ashok Shendge, Isak Qureshi, Mohan Shinde, Gokul Rao, Somnath Mohite, Santosh Kasture, Shankar Jadhav, Yogesh Gangurde, Makarand Jadhav, Rajendra Mahale, Sanjay Patil, Javed Pathan, Harshvardhan Kapadnis, and Gorakh Salve.As citizens are distressed by the potholes in the city, the Congress party has demanded immediate action from the administration.