Maharashtra civic inspection exposes garbage, choked drains in Ulhasnagar; mayor pulls up officials

ULHASNAGAR: With the monsoon knocking on the door, Ulhasnagar's civic preparedness came under sharp scrutiny after Mayor Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam conducted a surprise midnight inspection on two wheeler across several parts of the city and found heaps of garbage, open trenches, clogged drains and incomplete development works.

Accompanied by corporators, local representatives and senior civic officials, Nikam on two wheeler visited key locations across the city to assess the status of cleanliness and infrastructure works before the onset of heavy rains.

During the inspection, the mayor expressed strong displeasure over the condition of roads, drainage systems and public spaces, warning officials against any negligence that could inconvenience residents during the monsoon season.

According to civic sources, the inspection covered major areas including Section Camp, Ulhasnagar-2, Gol Maidan, Phule Chowk, Prem Auto, Shahad railway station, the bus stand vicinity and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk. At several locations, garbage piles were found lying unattended, while drains and nullahs remained clogged despite repeated instructions for pre-monsoon desilting and cleaning.

The mayor also took note of unfinished civic projects and open excavations that could pose a safety risk to pedestrians and motorists during heavy rainfall. Officials were directed to immediately clear debris, complete pending works and ensure proper drainage arrangements to prevent waterlogging.

In a statement issued after the inspection, Nikam said citizens would not be made to suffer due to administrative lapses. She instructed all departments to complete monsoon-related works on a war footing and ensure that roads, drains and nullahs remain functional throughout the rainy season.

Several Shiv Sena functionaries, public representatives and municipal officers accompanied the mayor during the late-night inspection. Civic officials have now been asked to submit compliance reports and take immediate corrective measures.

Residents have welcomed the surprise inspection, expressing hope that the administration's intervention will help address long-pending civic issues before the arrival of the monsoon.