Nitin Gadkari Orders Immediate Clearance of Encroachments in Nagpur
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday directed officials of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) to immediately clear encroachments and restore footpaths for pedestrian use, describing the situation as "alarming". He called for a detailed action-taken report within eight days to address the issue promptly.
Review Meeting Addresses Urban Development Challenges
The directions were issued during a review meeting held at Gadkari's residence to assess key development projects in Nagpur. The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Rajya Sabha MP Maya Ivnate, MLA Krishna Khopde, mayor Neeta Thakre, deputy mayor Leela Hathibed, standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, leader of the house Balya Borkar, and municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar.
Gadkari highlighted that encroachments have spread extensively across major roads and footpaths, severely restricting pedestrian movement and creating safety hazards. He instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive survey of encroached land, detailing ownership, current possession, and reservation status to facilitate effective clearance operations.
Enhancing Transparency and Urban Planning
To improve transparency in civic data, Gadkari suggested involving engineering students in an independent survey to verify information. This exercise should also identify land reserved for playgrounds and gardens so that it can be developed accordingly, promoting recreational spaces in the city.
The meeting extensively reviewed various urban infrastructure projects, including water supply, housing, pollution control, and development initiatives. Gadkari discussed ambitious plans such as creating 200 parks and playgrounds, implementing a slum-free housing model, and advancing sewerage projects aimed at reducing pollution in the Nag and Pohra rivers.
Progress on Key Projects and Future Directions
Officials presented updates on progress under the AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 schemes, road widening works, land acquisition for a 30-metre-wide road in Mouza Chinchbhuvan, and development in backward areas. Gadkari directed the formation of a dedicated municipal committee to identify and prioritize such projects, ensuring coordinated efforts.
Details of open land owned by NMC and NIT were also discussed. Gadkari asked officials to prepare a plan to use these spaces for organized vegetable and meat markets, emphasizing integrated planning of NMC, NIT, and Nazul lands. He noted that unregulated roadside markets cause congestion and inconvenience, proposing the development of food malls and designated hawker zones as alternatives.
Streamlining Approvals and Addressing Water Issues
To streamline approval processes, Gadkari stated that layouts already transferred to the municipal corporation, or in the process of transfer, should not require fresh NIT clearances. This move aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and accelerate development.
Reviewing the ₹2,400 crore Nag river pollution abatement project, Gadkari emphasized the need for a robust detailed project report and strict adherence to technical and financial standards to ensure effectiveness.
Raising concerns over water supply, he questioned Orange City Water (OCW) over delays in implementing the 24x7 supply project despite sufficient water availability from Pench and Kanhan sources. He flagged nearly 40% leakage in the system and demanded immediate corrective measures to improve efficiency and reliability.
Special Initiative for NMC's Amrit Mahotsav
To mark 75 years of the NMC, Gadkari proposed developing 75 gardens and 75 playgrounds across the city. He highlighted that this initiative would promote sports among children and create accessible recreational spaces for senior citizens, enhancing community well-being. Officials were directed to identify locations based on local needs and preferences to maximize impact.
