Nashik: Congress Stages Protest at NMC Over Farmer Compensation, Water Supply and Other Key Issues

The Congress staged a two-hour sit-in protest on Tuesday (4th) in front of the main entrance of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), demanding action on 23 critical issues, including compensation for farmers who had given land for the Simhastha, immediate resolution of water supply disruptions, urgent staff recruitment, and city-wide pothole repairs. The protest saw participation from several Congress office bearers and activists, who raised slogans against the municipal administration, accusing it of negligence and mismanagement.

Leading the protest were Congress Secretary Rahul Dive, City President Akash Chhajed, NAUI President Altamash Sheikh, Youth Congress City President Swapnil Patil, Mahila Congress President Swati Jadhav, Minority Department President Tanveer Khan, along with Vasant Thakur, Javed Ibrahim, Gaurav Sonar, Suresh Maru, former corporator Laxmanrao Jaibhave, Anna Patil, Ulhas Satbhai, Santosh Thakur, and Bablu.

The protestors alleged that while land acquisition holders should have been prioritized for compensation, only ₹55 crores were distributed among 11 builders, sidelining needy farmers who had given up their land for the 2003 Simhastha. They further claimed that cheques meant for these farmers were handed over to others in their names, raising concerns over financial irregularities.

Another major demand was justice for sanitation workers from the Meghwal, Valmiki, and Maheta communities. Congress leaders emphasized that these workers should receive fair treatment and improved working conditions. They urged the immediate implementation of the Lad Committee’s recommendations to ensure all sanitation workers receive the same benefits as other municipal employees. Additionally, they called for the cancellation of contractual employment for sanitation workers and the provision of permanent jobs with proper facilities.

The protest also focused on a range of civic issues affecting Nashik, including streamlining the birth and death registration process, regulation of parking areas, and a detailed five-year plan for the Kumbh Mela. Congress leaders demanded the renovation of Raje Sambhaji Stadium, completion of Central Park, and development of MIDC. They also sought approval of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Vegetable Market as a designated hawkers' zone and called for a fresh survey of hawkers' areas.

Environmental concerns were also raised, with demands for measures to curb pollution in the Godavari River. Protestors also pressed for the reopening of closed theatres, repairing of public gardens, and permanent reservation of 500 acres of land for the Kumbh Mela.

Congress leaders warned that if the administration fails to act on these demands, they will intensify their agitation. The protest highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the corporation’s policies and the need for immediate redressal of civic grievances.