The city is grappling with severe water supply issues, leading to public outrage and political protests. Despite sufficient water in the dams, citizens are facing disruptions due to errors in distribution. On Friday, multiple political parties staged demonstrations at the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), demanding immediate action to resolve the crisis.
The Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) strongly criticized the administration, warning of a large-scale public agitation if the situation is not rectified. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Panchavati staged a sit-in protest outside the municipal commissioner's office, highlighting what they called a 'water emergency' in the city.
Shiv Sena (Thackeray) Takes an Aggressive Stand
Since Saturday (March 22), Nashik residents have been struggling with water shortages due to the installation of flow meters under the SCADA water meter system. The Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) has accused the administration of failing to manage the process efficiently. Party leaders, led by deputy leader Sunil Bagul, met Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri and demanded urgent corrective measures.
Their key demands include:
Immediate completion of technical work to restore normal water supply.
Prevention of sewage contamination in the Godavari River and provision of clean water for sadhus and mahants during rituals.
Setting up a separate sewage system in industrial estates.
Repair of street lights in industrial areas.
Withdrawal of the recent house rent hike.
Construction of shelters for devotees along the Godavari banks.
Filling vacant municipal posts without delay.
Establishment of a vegetable market on reserved municipal land.
The delegation, which included senior party leaders such as Sudhakar Badgujar, joint liaison chief Datta Gaikwad, district chief D. G. Suryavanshi, metropolitan chief Vilas Shinde, former MLA Vasant Gite, Vinayak Pandey, Sachin Marathe, and Prashant Dive, emphasized that failure to address these issues would lead to intensified protests.
As frustration among Nashik residents grows, the NMC is under increasing pressure to act swiftly and resolve the ongoing water crisis.