Nashik Slum Residents Vote with Strong Hope for Change
Slum pockets across Nashik city buzzed with vibrant energy on Thursday. Residents stepped out to vote with a clear sense of hope and urgency for change. Unlike several housing-society-dominated areas, these localities displayed visibly higher enthusiasm. The day transformed into a spirited display of expectations from the new civic leadership.
Voting Patterns Show Steady Increase
Voting in slum pockets began on a slow note during the first three hours. However, it picked up steadily through the day. A sharp rise in footfall occurred after 1.30 pm. Long queues formed outside several polling booths after 3.30 pm. Even beyond the 5.30 pm deadline, many voters waited inside polling premises to exercise their franchise.
Slum Population Growth and Electoral Impact
Nashik city currently has 159 slums with an estimated population of around 3.8 lakh residents. In 2011, the slum population stood at around 1.9 lakh. This indicates a significant rise over the years. Officials stated that voting by slum-dwellers in some slum-dominated pockets of various wards is likely to be a crucial factor. It could determine the outcome in the respective wards.
Residents Voice Key Concerns and Motivations
For many residents, basic amenities and long-pending civic issues served as key motivators to vote. Nandabai Lahate, a resident of one slum pocket, voted with the hope of overall development in her ward. She highlighted inadequate water supply as a persistent problem.
Lahate also said local representatives failed to pay attention to civic needs in the past three years. Administrative governance was in effect during this period. She added that new corporators must prioritise better facilities for the community.
Demands for Health Services and Education
Gopinath Gavit, another resident, emphasized the urgent need for improved health services. He noted that a public toilet exists in the area but is not cleaned regularly. This causes a foul smell to spread. Gavit said residents also want a good library and quality education in NMC schools for children from slum families.
Infrastructure Issues Remain Unresolved
Ashish Jadhav, another voter, pointed out specific infrastructure problems. He said many concrete roads in slum areas near Peth Road were dug to lay new water pipelines five to six years ago. However, these stretches remained unrepaired for months, causing inconvenience.
The collective voice from Nashik's slums reflects a strong desire for tangible improvements. Residents are looking to the new civic leadership to address these pressing issues effectively.
