Nashik Industrialists Demand Infrastructure Overhaul

Nashik’s industrial sector is raising alarm bells over severe infrastructural deficiencies following a recent meeting with district collector Jalaj Sharma. The Zilla Udyog Mitra (ZUM) gathering highlighted critical issues plaguing the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) zones, as well as the broader rural and urban areas of Nashik.

The President of the Nashik Industries & Manufacturers Association (NIMA), expressed profound dissatisfaction with the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), accusing it of neglecting road maintenance despite the industrial sector contributing 80% of the city’s GST revenue. “The roads in Ambad and Satpur industrial areas are in a dire state, marred by large potholes on both major thoroughfares and internal roads. Immediate repair work is essential, or we will be forced to initiate protests,” he warned.

In addition to road conditions, Lalit Boob, President of the Ambad Industries & Manufacturers’ Association (AIMA), raised concerns about rampant encroachments obstructing traffic flow. Boob called for urgent removal of these encroachments to alleviate vehicular congestion in Ambad and Satpur. During the meeting, officiating NMC Commissioner, pledged to address these issues promptly. She announced a follow-up meeting within a week and instructed the formation of a sub-committee comprising industrialists, MIDC, NMC, Zilla Parishad (ZP), and other relevant officials. This sub-committee will oversee encroachment issues and ensure prompt resolution.

The NMC’s Deputy Commissioner for Encroachments, committed to initiating a special drive within the next eight days to clear the encroachments in industrial zones. Additionally, Sharma urged the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (MSEDCL) to ensure a stable power supply to these critical areas. In a bid to support industrial growth, Sharma also directed the MIDC to identify up to 500 acres of land in each of the district’s 15 talukas for industrial development. This move aims to accommodate new industrial ventures and address the demand for additional land. She instructed the MIDC to set up taluka-level sub-committees, including MIDC officials, sub-divisional officers, District Industries Centre (DIC) representatives, and NIMA members, to facilitate this process.