Nashik municipal corporation to set up urban design cell to enhance city planning

Nashik: As part of a broader effort to improve the city's infrastructure and environment, the municipal corporation has decided to establish a new urban design cell. This cell will maintain Nashik's aesthetic values while enhancing urban planning and design in the city.It will focus on various aspects of urban development such as mapping infrastructure, promoting walkability and developing plans for making better places in the city.Climate action will also be an important part of the initiative.The urban design cell will be chaired by municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri.The body will include the deputy director of town planning, city heritage expert Smita Kasar, veteran architect with urban planning experience Bhalchandra Wavre, structural engineer Deepak Kulkarni, senior citizen Kiran Chavan, who is experienced in enhancing beautification of the city and the assistant director of town planning of NMC.Nashik municipal corporation (NMC) administration prepared the proposal, which will be tabled at the upcoming meeting of its general body next week.The urban design cell will be established after the approval of the body.NMC officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that growing urban areas maintain their cultural and architectural beauty while accommodating expansion. The cell will focus on improving streetscapes, promoting pedestrian-friendly designs, and preserving the city's unique identity.It is being prepared as per the instructions of the urban development department of state govt. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to integrate technology and data-driven approaches for more efficient and sustainable urban development.