Industrial associations in Nashik have made a strong appeal to all political parties, urging them to ensure formal representation for the city's crucial industrial sector within the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). This demand comes ahead of the civic body elections scheduled for January 15.
Core Demands: A Voice in the House and Dedicated Funds
The industry groups are seeking the appointment of co-opted members from the industrial sector once the new civic body is formed. They argue that direct participation in municipal decision-making is vital to tackle the persistent infrastructure woes plaguing the Ambad and Satpur industrial estates of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), which fall under NMC's jurisdiction.
Alongside representation, the industry has put forth a significant financial demand. They want the NMC to make a dedicated annual budgetary provision of at least Rs 25 crore specifically for the improvement and maintenance of infrastructure in these two key industrial zones. This demand stems from years of alleged poor management of roads, streetlights, and internal maintenance due to inconsistent funding.
Scale of Neglect: 4,000 Units, 2.5 Lakh Jobs at Stake
Speaking on the issue, Manish Rawal, Vice-President of the Nashik Industries and Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), emphasized the necessity of representation. "We want representation of the industries in the civic body so that our issues are properly addressed during discussions and decision-making," Rawal told TOI.
He highlighted the economic importance of these areas, noting that Ambad and Satpur together house over 4,000 industrial units and provide employment to nearly 2.5 lakh people. Despite this massive contribution to Nashik's economy, both estates suffer from administrative neglect. "Even routine maintenance of roads is not carried out. Public representatives from these areas do not pay attention to the problems faced by industries," Rawal stated.
Pathetic Road Conditions and Civic Indifference
Detailing the deteriorated state of infrastructure, Rawal said many internal and main roads in both estates have not been re-laid for one or two decades. "The condition of roads is pathetic. Accidents take place because of potholes and damaged stretches," he added. He believes that industry representation in the NMC would help push their demands more effectively and ensure timely resolutions.
Echoing these concerns, Lalit Boob, President of the Ambad Industries and Manufacturers' Association (AIMA), expressed growing frustration with the civic body's indifference. "All major and internal roads in Ambad MIDC are in a pathetic condition due to a lack of maintenance. Goods in trucks and containers get damaged because of potholes. Many streetlights are defunct and are not being repaired by the NMC," Boob said.
How Co-opted Membership Works in NMC
According to NMC officials, the corporation currently comprises 122 elected representatives and five co-opted members. These co-opted members are appointed by the mayor during the general body meeting, with their selection based on the strength of different political parties in the civic house. The industry bodies are now pushing to have a seat at this table.
The industry groups have vowed to continue pressing their twin demands for structured representation and a dedicated annual budget. They are hopeful that the incoming civic body, which will take charge after the January 15 elections, will finally prioritize the long-pending infrastructure needs of Nashik's industrial backbone.
