Nashik civic body pulls up 17 contractors over safety lapses in Kumbh road works

Nashik: The civic body has issued notices to 17 contractors executing 28 Kumbh Mela-related road projects after a joint inspection revealed serious safety violations and breaches of tender conditions at multiple work sites.The action followed an inspection by Nashik city mayor Himgauri Aaher, deputy mayor Vilas Shinde and senior civic officials, who reviewed the progress of key Kumbh infrastructure works across the city. Officials said adherence to safety norms was critical as the works are underway on busy stretches ahead of the mega religious event.City engineer Sanjay Agrawal said, "Several deficiencies were found during the inspection, including lack of barricading, absence of caution boards and traffic signage, inadequate lighting during night work, and unsafe handling of open trenches and chambers. In many locations, workers were found without essential personal protective equipment (PPE), posing risks to both workers and the public."Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) authorities termed the lapses a clear violation of tender conditions and warned that continued negligence could lead to accidents and even loss of life. A senior NMC official said contractors had been repeatedly instructed through notices, letters and review meetings to follow safety norms, but compliance remains poor on the ground."The road works are being carried out on busy roads. Any lapse in safety arrangements directly endangers commuters and pedestrians," a senior official said, adding that ensuring worker safety, public safety and smooth traffic movement is the contractors' responsibility.Through the notices, NMC has directed contractors to immediately rectify shortcomings by installing barricades, reflectors, warning signs, approved traffic diversion plans, adequate lighting for night work, and deploying traffic wardens and security staff where needed. The civic body has warned of strict penal action, including fines, suspension or termination of contracts, execution of work through alternative agencies, and blacklisting of defaulting contractors from future projects.Officials said the crackdown is part of NMC's broader effort to ensure the timely completion of Kumbh-related works without compromising safety, and that contractors will be held solely responsible for any accident or loss caused due to negligence.