The Shiv Sena-NCP alliance, which is contesting the upcoming Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, presented its comprehensive vision for the city's future by releasing its election manifesto on Sunday. The document outlines a ambitious roadmap focusing on major infrastructure projects, environmental sustainability, and holistic urban development.
Core Promises: Metro, Cleanliness, and Sustainable Transport
The coalition has placed significant emphasis on large-scale infrastructure and public services. A primary commitment is the planning and execution of the Nashik Metro project, a long-awaited mass transit system aimed at decongesting the city. Alongside this, the alliance has set a bold target of transforming Nashik into the cleanest city in India. The manifesto also promises efficient electric public transport systems and the organisation of the iconic Nashik Festival, contingent on them forming the next municipal government.
The manifesto launch event saw prominent leaders including Food and Drugs Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, former Nashik MPs Sameer Bhujbal and Hemant Godse, along with other party office-bearers. They stressed their intent to boost the local economy by attracting new industries, businesses, and trade to the region.
Green Nashik and Water Conservation Initiatives
Environmental sustainability forms a critical pillar of the alliance's agenda. Addressing the precious nature of water resources, former MP Sameer Bhujbal detailed specific measures. The alliance plans to conduct aquifer mapping across the city and enrich groundwater levels through widespread water harvesting mechanisms. The efficient use of existing sewage treatment plants is also highlighted as a method to improve both water tables and overall city cleanliness.
"We resolved to create a ‘Green Nashik, Beautiful Nashik'. Tapovan is the true identity of Nashik, and it will be preserved," Bhujbal asserted. He added that plans for an industries exhibition centre would proceed without cutting down trees, underscoring a commitment to sustainable development. The manifesto also proposes boosting municipal revenue through innovative means like bamboo cultivation.
Comprehensive Urban Development for a Growing City
Recognising Nashik's rapid expansion, the manifesto takes a long-term view. Minister Narhari Zirwal pointed out that surrounding areas like Ozar, Dindori, and Trimbakeshwar are becoming part of Nashik's urban sprawl. "Therefore, it is necessary to plan for development keeping the next 25 years in mind," Zirwal stated, advocating for forward-thinking urban planning.
The document covers a wide array of civic issues aimed at improving the quality of life for Nashik's residents. Key focus areas include:
- Substantial improvement in the quality of roads across the city.
- Transforming municipal administration into an online and transparent system.
- Revitalising cultural landmarks like the Phalke Memorial and the city planetarium.
- Enhancing the services of city buses and auto-rickshaws.
- Implementing solutions to solve persistent traffic congestion problems.
- Working towards a slum-free Nashik.
- Making the proposed IT park in Nashik fully operational.
On the front of waste management and cleanliness, the alliance has proposed an innovative bio-diesel project that would generate fuel from city waste, turning a problem into a potential resource.
The unveiling of this detailed manifesto sets the stage for a competitive election, with the Shiv Sena-NCP combine presenting a multi-faceted development plan as their core promise to the voters of Nashik.
