Encroachment of roadside vendors near Saraf Bazaar area of the city
Nashik: The civic administration has decided to undertake a special anti-encroachment drive across key areas of the city ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela flag-hoisting ceremony at Ramkund on Oct 31 and the procession scheduled for Oct 30. Special attention will be given to Ramkund and Godavari ghat areas, where thousands of devotees are expected to gather for the flag-hoisting ceremony on Oct 31. The NMC has instructed divisional offices to keep anti-encroachment squads operational from Oct 24 to Oct 29 and deploy teams at key locations during the two-day Simhastha events.
The civic administration has, therefore, decided to clear roads and public spaces by removing roadside encroachment to avoid traffic congestion and ensure smooth movement of people. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nashik | Silver Rate in Nashik | Bank Holidays in Nashik | Public Holidays in Nashik | Petrol Price in Nashik | Diesel Price in Nashik | CNG Price in Nashik | LPG Price in Nashik Stay updated with the latest Nashik news.
A communication issued by deputy commissioner (encroachment) of NMC, Suvarna Dakhne, said that a large number of sadhus, mahants, political leaders, VIPs, guests and devotees are expected to participate in the ‘Nagar Pradakshina’ procession and the flag-hoisting ceremony. Officials have been instructed to remove all encroachments along the route and keep roads free for the religious procession,” a senior NMC official said. Civic officials said hawkers, handcart operators and some shopkeepers often encroach on roads and footpaths by displaying merchandise outside establishments, causing traffic snarls. “The special drive is aimed at ensuring hassle-free movement and maintaining order during the commencement of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela activities in Nashik,” a civic official said.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) encroachment department has directed divisional officers of the Panchavati and Nashik West divisions to remove illegal encroachments, including handcarts, roadside stalls, hawkers, food vendors and other obstructions along major routes expected to witness heavy movement of devotees and dignitaries during the Kumbh. “The procession will pass through several busy stretches, including Tapovan, Panchavati, flower market, Delhi Darwaza, Nehru Chowk, Main Road, Ravivar Karanja and Ahilyabai Holkar Bridge before reaching Ramkund. Encroachment removal operations will be carried out in areas under the jurisdiction of Panchavati, Sarkarwada and Bhadrakali police stations to facilitate crowd management and traffic movement. The drive assumes significance as it coincides with the Diwali shopping season, when Main Road and adjoining markets witness a surge in footfall. Authorities fear these encroachments could obstruct devotees and vehicles during Simhastha events and create law-and-order concerns. Download the TOI App.