Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has issued notices to 17 contractors overseeing 28 road projects linked to the Kumbh Mela after a joint inspection uncovered serious safety violations and breaches of tender conditions at multiple work sites.
Inspection Reveals Critical Safety Lapses
The action followed an inspection led by Nashik Mayor Himgauri Aaher, Deputy Mayor Vilas Shinde, and senior civic officials. They reviewed the progress of key Kumbh infrastructure works across the city. Officials stressed that adherence to safety norms is critical as the projects are underway on busy stretches ahead of the mega religious event.
City Engineer Sanjay Agrawal stated, "Several deficiencies were found during the inspection, including lack of barricading, absence of caution boards and traffic signage, inadequate lighting during night work, and unsafe handling of open trenches and chambers. In many locations, workers were found without essential personal protective equipment (PPE), posing risks to both workers and the public."
Violations of Tender Conditions
NMC authorities termed the lapses a clear violation of tender conditions and warned that continued negligence could lead to accidents and even loss of life. A senior NMC official said contractors had been repeatedly instructed through notices, letters, and review meetings to follow safety norms, but compliance remains poor on the ground. "The road works are being carried out on busy roads. Any lapse in safety arrangements directly endangers commuters and pedestrians," the official added, emphasizing that ensuring worker safety, public safety, and smooth traffic movement is the contractors' responsibility.
Immediate Rectification Demanded
Through the notices, NMC has directed contractors to immediately rectify shortcomings by installing barricades, reflectors, warning signs, approved traffic diversion plans, adequate lighting for night work, and deploying traffic wardens and security staff where needed. The civic body has warned of strict penal action, including fines, suspension or termination of contracts, execution of work through alternative agencies, and blacklisting of defaulting contractors from future projects.
Broader Crackdown on Safety
Officials said the crackdown is part of NMC's broader effort to ensure the timely completion of Kumbh-related works without compromising safety. Contractors will be held solely responsible for any accident or loss caused due to negligence. The inspection underscores the civic body's commitment to enforcing safety standards during the high-profile infrastructure upgrades ahead of the Kumbh Mela.
