Anti-encroachment drive at Sarda Circle in Nashik city

Nashik: The civic body on Saturday carried out a major anti-encroachment drive between Sarda Circle and Dwarka, removing around 50 illegal structures to pave the way for a proposed vehicular underpass ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela."The drive was necessary to facilitate the upcoming construction of the underpass approaching Dwarka, which is a key infrastructure project ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Work on the opposite side at Kathe Galli is already underway and this clearing ensures the Sarda Circle side can now proceed," said deputy commissioner of Encroachment Suvarna Dakhne.The operation, conducted with support from city police and divisional officials, including Hemant Zhute and Chandan Ghuge, began in the morning. The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) deployed five earth movers and six tractors, while teams from all six municipal divisions were involved in dismantling both permanent concrete structures and temporary tin sheds.Officials said the removal drive was crucial for road widening and to ease persistent traffic congestion at the busy Dwarka junction. Authorities added that similar actions will continue across the city in preparation for the expected influx of pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela.The police maintained a strong presence at the site to ensure the drive proceeded without any untoward incidents.The demolished establishments included chicken shops, garages, general stores, cloth outlets and mobile repair shops.