Milind Nagar residents clear encroachments ahead of NMC drive

NASHIK: A day before the Nashik Municipal Corporation's (NMC) scheduled anti-encroachment drive, residents of Milind Nagar near Tidke Colony on Thursday began voluntarily removing illegal structures.

The move followed a final ultimatum issued earlier this week by the civic body's anti-encroachment department. Although the demolition drive was originally planned for Thursday, the NMC deferred it by a day after residents requested time and assured officials they would dismantle their unauthorised constructions themselves. Throughout the day, residents were seen pulling down portions of their structures to avoid forcible demolition by civic squads. The NMC has stated that any remaining illegal constructions will be removed during the drive scheduled for Friday.


The action is linked to the civic body's infrastructure plans in the area. The NMC has proposed constructing a new bridge over the Nandini river at Milind Nagar in the Nashik West division at an estimated cost of Rs 19.23 crore. The bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion.

As part of the development plan, a 24-metre-wide road will be built on both sides of the proposed bridge, extending 100 metres on each side. Officials said around 25 houses are obstructing the proposed road alignment and must be removed to facilitate the project. The bridge project is part of broader preparations for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is expected to draw lakhs of pilgrims to Nashik.

An NMC official said, "The action is part of a sustained city-wide encroachment clearance campaign." Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri has directed the concerned department to intensify anti-encroachment operations on major roads in the coming weeks ahead of the Kumbh Mela to ensure smooth traffic and pedestrian movement during the peak period.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and gift idea !