#nmc

56% Cattle Sheds In Nagpur Operating Without Permits, RTI Reveals Nagpur: Data disclosed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals that over half of the cattle sheds within Nagpur city limits operate without municipal authorization. According to information provided by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) veterinary services cell, the city has a total of 1,046 cattle sheds, of which 589 are unauthorised. This accounts for 56.3% of all sheds, highlighting a significant regulatory gap. The RTI application, filed by Abhay Kolarkar, sought details on the status of these sheds and the actions taken against their operators. However, the NMC’s response did not specify any enforcement measures, raising concerns about the lack of accountability. The data highlights disparities across different zones. Dharampeth zone has the highest number of cattle sheds, with 188 total, of which 134 are unauthorised. This represents a 71.3% unauthorised rate in the zone. Ashi Nagar follows with 133 total sheds, 104 of which are unauthorised, while Laxmi Nagar has 115 sheds, 66 lacking permission. Dhantoli, Gandhibagh, Lakadganj, and Satranjipura also report high numbers of unauthorised sheds, with 54, 50, 56, and 40 respectively. These figures underscore the widespread nature of the issue, particularly in areas where cattle straying onto roads has become a recurring problem. The unregulated cattle-keeping practices contribute to multiple challenges for the city. Cattle straying onto roads causes traffic disruptions and poses safety risks, especially for two-wheeler riders. Additionally, the accumulation of dung and wastewater in residential areas and along roadsides exacerbates existing issues with solid waste management and drainage systems.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #dharampeth_zone #abhay_kolarkar #nandgram_project

Govt extends norms, PoP idols to be sold only with red mark The Maharashtra state government has extended restrictions on the sale and immersion of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols until the Bombay High Court delivers its verdict on the issue. The environment and climate change department issued a circular on Tuesday stating that guidelines notified in August 2025 will remain in effect until the court’s decision. These norms, initially applicable to festivals held up to March 31, 2026, were extended following interim orders from the high court in an ongoing public interest litigation concerning POP idols. The guidelines mandate that all POP idols must have a clearly visible circular red mark in oil paint on their backs. Sculptors and sellers are required to comply with this rule, as failure to do so could lead to penalties linked to local body-issued licenses. In Nagpur, markets are currently flooded with POP idols lacking the red mark, posing challenges for enforcement by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Immersion rules vary depending on the idol’s size. POP idols installed at homes or those below six feet in height can only be immersed in artificial ponds created by local bodies. For larger idols exceeding six feet, immersion in natural water bodies is permitted only if no alternative facility exists. In such cases, civic bodies must ensure that POP material is retrieved from the water body by the following day. Sellers are required to maintain a register of POP idol sales, with compliance tied to licenses issued by local authorities. Additionally, sellers must provide buyers with an information pamphlet explaining the immersion norms.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #maharashtra_pollution_control_board #maharashtra_state_government

No File Moves Without ‘Standing Committee’ Letter Corporators in Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) have raised concerns over officials refusing to process files for minor development works unless they are accompanied by a standing committee letter. The issue has sparked frustration across political lines, with corporators planning to escalate the matter to municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar. The controversy highlights growing criticism of the standing committee for delays in approving projects costing up to Rs10 lakh. Corporators argue that the requirement for a standing committee letter is unnecessary for smaller projects, as most ward-level needs involve minor works like sewage pipeline repairs or basic infrastructure. Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare defended the policy, stating that proposals worth up to Rs10 lakh cannot be cleared without the tendering process. However, corporators claim they have started submitting smaller proposals—ranging from Rs1 lakh to Rs1.5 lakh—for direct approval by departments. Despite this, officials allegedly insist on the standing committee letter, even though no formal rule mandates it. A corporator noted that officials often cite the committee as a condition but refuse to provide written directives. This has led to delays in project approvals, with BJP corporators and Opposition members seeking approvals for road repairs, sewage works, community hall maintenance, and other local initiatives. They reported that proposals costing up to Rs10 lakh have been pending for months, raising fears that prolonged delays will leave residents with minimal progress by the end of the financial year. With nearly half the financial year elapsed, corporators are urging immediate approvals to ensure projects can be executed in the next fiscal period.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #vipin_itankar #shivani_dani_wakhare #standing_committee

HC Demands Answers On Late-Night ‘Liquor Parties’ In Kachipura The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Bajaj Nagar police to submit a detailed report on actions taken against alleged late-night liquor parties at restaurants in the Shankar Nagar and Kachipura areas. The court mandated the police to file their response by September 4, following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by three residents of Shankar Nagar—Lalit Harode, Aseem Baodia, and Mrudula Phadke. The petition highlighted concerns over violations by local establishments, including noise pollution, traffic disruptions, and unlicensed liquor sales, which have allegedly caused inconvenience to residents and raised law-and-order issues. A division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Raj Wakode was hearing the PIL, which alleged that activities continuing late into the night at the establishments have been causing inconvenience to residents and creating potential law-and-order concerns. The court directed the Bajaj Nagar police to inform it about the action taken so far against such late-night parties. The proceedings also covered alleged illegal constructions and civic violations involving the restaurants. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) issued notices to 27 establishments in 2016 under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act. The court was informed that appeals against those notices had subsequently been rejected by the state government, clearing the way for enforcement action against the unauthorized constructions. The petitioner, however, questioned the pace and effectiveness of the civic action. The court was told that an alleged unauthorized construction over a drain on the Shankar Nagar side remained in place.#nagpur_bench #nmc #shankar_nagar #kachipura #bajaj_nagar_police

Health Panel Orders All 10 Zones to Identify Vulnerable Spots, NMC to Seek MLAs’ Funds to Repair Nullah Walls Nagpur: Following a cloudburst-like downpour on July 28 that exposed the city’s flood vulnerabilities, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has initiated emergency measures to prevent a recurrence of severe waterlogging. The civic body acknowledged critical gaps in its flood management infrastructure, including damaged retaining walls along rivers and nullahs, as well as its inability to clean stormwater systems under railway jurisdiction. At a review meeting chaired by health committee chairperson Manisha Atkare on Monday, all 10 zonal offices were directed to remain on high alert during heavy rainfall and deploy personnel to areas that experienced severe waterlogging the previous week. Assistant commissioners were instructed to ensure dewatering pumps are ready for immediate use in flood-prone zones. Atkare emphasized that every zone must strengthen emergency preparedness and prioritize pumping floodwater from vulnerable neighborhoods. The review meeting also highlighted recurring waterlogging issues in areas adjacent to railway tracks, as NMC lacks authority to desilt stormwater drains and sewer chambers under railway jurisdiction. To address this, the civic body plans to write to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), seeking permission to undertake desilting work or requesting the Railways to perform the task before the next heavy rain event. The committee further directed all zones to identify damaged retaining walls along rivers and nullahs, with reports to be submitted. Atkare noted that breaches and deterioration of these protective structures exacerbated flooding in multiple areas.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #manisha_atkare #divisional_railway_manager #ashinagar

Fountain Set For Revival, But Futala’s Pollution Threat Still Looms The iconic Futala Lake in Nagpur continues to face significant pollution challenges despite a multi-crore restoration project and efforts to revive its musical fountain. A recent visit by The Times of India revealed that garbage remains scattered along the lakefront, highlighting persistent gaps in solid waste management despite regular civic cleaning. Officials from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Dharampeth Zone confirmed that a sewer line previously discharging into the lake has been disconnected. However, experts argue that isolating a single sewer outlet is insufficient to restore the lake’s ecological health. Environmentalists emphasize that pollution persists through surface runoff, which carries household waste, cattle dung, and other contaminants from nearby settlements into the lake. During the monsoon season, this runoff intensifies, increasing the organic load and accelerating eutrophication. Leena Buddhe, an environmentalist, noted that the algae growth fueled by these pollutants has already damaged the fountain’s underwater electrical systems. Additionally, runoff from experimental farms operated by Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth is blamed for excessive algal blooms, further degrading water quality. The degradation of Futala’s catchment area is another critical concern. Locals and environmentalists report that construction debris and earth dumped near Starkey Point have disrupted natural drainage channels that once carried clean rainwater into the lake. Instead of filtering runoff, the disturbed catchment now transports silt and pollutants into the waterbody.#nagpur #times_of_india #dr_panjabrao_deshmukh_krishi_vidyapeeth #nmc #futala_lake

Oppn Leader Accuses NMC Panel Chairs Of Overreach Leader of opposition in Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Sanjay Mahakalkar, accused the chairpersons of various special committees of overstepping their authority by repeatedly summoning departmental officers, which he claimed was disrupting civic administration and delaying public works. In a letter addressed to municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, Mahakalkar alleged that the committee chairpersons were convening frequent review meetings despite lacking executive powers over departments. He argued that senior officials were being forced to spend excessive time attending these meetings, diverting their focus from addressing civic issues and implementing development projects. Mahakalkar further claimed that some committee chairpersons were using their positions to favor contractors and private companies over the public interest. He urged the commissioner to regulate the frequency of such meetings and ensure that civic officials could dedicate their time to resolving citizens' grievances and expediting development works. The opposition leader also called for clear directives to prioritize the transparent and efficient execution of public projects. The NMC administration has not yet responded to the allegations as of the time of publication. The letter highlights concerns about the misuse of administrative processes and the potential impact on public service delivery. Mahakalkar’s accusations suggest a growing tension between opposition leaders and municipal authorities over the management of civic responsibilities. The issue underscores broader challenges in balancing oversight mechanisms with the operational efficiency of public institutions. The allegations come amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of local governance in Nagpur.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #vipin_itankar #sanjay_mahakalkar #special_committees

From Streets To Flyovers, City’s Roads Crumble After July Rains Nagpur: Barely weeks after the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) claimed to have repaired hundreds of potholes across the city, many of those restored stretches have already deteriorated, with potholes reappearing and exposing what motorists describe as poor-quality restoration work. A preliminary survey by the NMC across its 10 zones identified 1,282 potholes covering 12,398.20 square meters of damaged road surface, highlighting the rapid deterioration of tar roads following persistent July rainfall. The civic survey revealed that Dharampeth zone reported the highest number of potholes at 353, followed by Hanuman Nagar (280), Nehru Nagar (147), Laxmi Nagar (138), Ashi Nagar (125), Mangalwari (119), Dhantoli (67), Gandhibagh (28), Satranjipura (16), and Lakadganj (15). According to the NMC’s Hotmix Plant Department, 698 potholes were repaired between July 1 and July 28 across various zones. A senior official stated, “Between July 1 and July 28, the department repaired 698 potholes across the city.” Records show the maximum repairs were carried out in Nehru Nagar zone (163), followed by Mangalwari (144), Dharampeth (107), Hanuman Nagar (78), Dhantoli (70), Ashi Nagar (52), Satranjipura (26), Gandhibagh (16), and Lakadganj (13). However, field visits by The Times of India (TOI) found that several of these repaired roads have developed potholes again, raising questions about the quality and durability of the restoration work. For example, the stretch from CK Nayudu Square near the old VCA Stadium to Futala Lake, which was recently repaired by the Hotmix Plant Department, has developed multiple potholes. Loose gravel scattered across the carriageway has become a hazard for two-wheeler riders.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #hotmix_plant_department

Manish Nagar Underpass Flooded After Power Outage Disables Pumps A severe flood struck the Manish Nagar underpass in Nagpur on July 28, triggered by a power outage that disabled two of three dewatering pumps. The incident, described as a cloudburst-like downpour, exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s drainage infrastructure, prompting an emergency review by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). According to sources, rainwater infiltrated electrical installations, cutting off power to the dewatering system and leaving the underpass submerged. Authorities had to restrict traffic and divert vehicles as water levels rose rapidly in both the old and new underpasses. The NMC’s post-flood review revealed that three 20-horsepower pumps had been installed at the site. However, two of them failed after water entered their electrical components, leaving only one operational. A senior MahaMetro official stated that once the failed pumps were restored, knee-deep water was cleared within 40 minutes, between midnight and 12:40 a.m. The official emphasized that the pumps are now functioning properly but highlighted that the primary issue remains runoff from surrounding areas flowing into the underpass. Following the incident, the NMC convened a review meeting with officials from the Public Works Department’s World Bank Division and other agencies. The meeting focused on identifying failures in key underpasses and directing departments to improve coordination, protect pumping infrastructure, and address deficiencies ahead of future heavy rains. A senior NMC official noted that with only one pump house operational, the accumulated water could not be discharged quickly enough.#nagpur #nmc #mahametro #manish_nagar_underpass #narendra_nagar_underpass

Nagpur’s Largest Tree-Planting Drive Launched by Governor to Combat Climate Challenges Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated a month-long afforestation campaign on Saturday, aiming to plant 10 lakh saplings across Nagpur district by August 30. The initiative, described as one of the region’s most extensive coordinated greening efforts, seeks to expand the city’s green cover amid rising concerns over extreme weather events and urban heat. The campaign involves a collaboration between the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), district administration, zilla parishad, forest department, and the Green Foundation. The drive was launched at Lok Bhavan, the governor’s official residence, where Varma planted an orange sapling alongside Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, state minister Pankaj Bhoyar, Nagpur mayor Neeta Thakre, and other officials. The Lok Bhavan campus will host the planting of 10,000 trees during the campaign. Officials emphasized that the project’s focus extends beyond meeting targets, prioritizing the survival and maintenance of saplings through community participation. The initiative comes as Nagpur faces increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions, prompting officials to highlight the role of urban greening in climate adaptation. Native and long-living tree species will be planted to enhance biodiversity, improve groundwater recharge, reduce urban heat islands, and create sustainable green corridors. These species include banyan, peepal, neem, kadamba, arjun, jamun, mahua, amla, mango, palash, karanj, and others. Contributions to the campaign include 5 lakh saplings from the forest department, 1 lakh from the Raisoni Group, 50,000 from environmentalist Dr.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nagpur_improvement_trust #nmc #maharashtra_governor #green_foundation

Overflowing Gorewada Nullah Inundates Homes in West Nagpur Heavy rainfall on Tuesday triggered severe flooding in West Nagpur, as the Gorewada nullah overflowed, submerging homes, roads, and culverts. The deluge left residents stranded, with water levels reaching up to four feet inside several residential colonies. Affected areas included New Ahbab Colony, Mahesh Nagar, Palloti Nagar, Arafat Society, Anant Nagar, Swagat Nagar, Sangam Nagar, Yogendra Nagar, Zingabai Takli, Bandhu Nagar, Ganpati Nagar, and Jafar Nagar. Families were forced to relocate valuables and vehicles to higher ground as floodwaters damaged property and disrupted daily life. The flooding coincided with the dispersal of students from schools, leaving many stranded due to flooded approach roads. A school in the Gorewada area postponed its dispersal as parents struggled to reach the campus. School buses and vans had to take alternate routes, further complicating the situation. Local corporator Shailesh Pande (Prabhag No. 11) criticized the civic infrastructure, blaming inadequate drainage systems and the absence of retaining walls along the nullah for the disaster. He argued that narrow bridges and bottlenecks obstructed the natural flow of stormwater, causing it to spill into residential areas. Pande accused NMC officials, the fire department, and sanitation workers of failing to provide effective solutions, despite being on the ground throughout the afternoon. He called for immediate upgrades to the drainage network and the construction of retaining walls to prevent future flooding. Residents echoed these concerns, questioning the effectiveness of newly installed stormwater drains, which reportedly overflowed within hours of the downpour.#nmc #shailesh_pande #zafar_solanki #gorewada_nullah #west_nagpur

Double Whammy: Sluggish Sewer Works, Poor Restoration Nagpur’s Amrut Sewer Works project, launched under the Centre’s AMRUT 2.0 mission on October 9, 2024, has faced significant delays and criticism for its slow progress and inadequate road restoration. Nearly 21 months into the project, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has completed only 260 km of the planned 537-km sewer network, leaving 277 km remaining before the June 2027 deadline. The sluggish pace has sparked public frustration, with residents in neighborhoods like Chitnis Nagar, Pawansut Nagar, Gadge Baba Nagar, Jaitala, and Jayprakash Nagar enduring damaged roads, uneven surfaces, potholes, and loose debris for weeks or even months. These conditions have led to frequent traffic congestion, increased vehicle damage, and a rise in accidents. During a recent meeting, Mayor Neeta Thakre expressed strong displeasure over the poor quality of road restoration, warning contractors of stringent action. She emphasized that infrastructure development should not compromise public convenience and safety. Superintending engineer Shweta Banerjee reported that road restoration is being carried out concurrently with pipeline laying, but the mayor noted that the condition of roads painted a starkly different picture. She directed officials to ensure immediate restoration after excavation and to enforce quality standards. “Citizens are facing immense hardship because of these works. Some places have witnessed accidents. Such negligence cannot be tolerated,” Thakre stated. The project’s progress so far averages about 12 km per month, or roughly 400 meters daily. To meet the June 2027 deadline, the NMC must nearly double its current pace, completing over 24 km monthly—equivalent to approximately 810 meters per day—while maintaining quality road restoration.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #neeta_thakre #amrut_2_0 #shweta_banerjee

NMC To Pay Rs1 Crore Extra Compensation To Farmers After 20-Year Legal Battle Seven farmers in Nagpur, whose agricultural land was acquired for the Pench water supply project Phase IV, are still awaiting enhanced compensation of over Rs1 crore nearly seven months after a two-decade legal battle concluded in their favor. The land, located in Mouza Nanda within Kamptee tehsil, was acquired in 2006-07 for constructing a 1,930mm-diameter transmission pipeline to expand Nagpur’s drinking water supply. The pipeline passed through farmland owned by the seven farmers, including Vasant Surajprasad Modh, Rajesh Karnaraj Modh, Devaji Khade, Deepak Khade, Sudhakar Khade, and two other landowners. On January 8, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Mouda directed the executive engineer of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC)’s Pench Project Cell to deposit Rs1,02,10,936 as enhanced compensation. However, the payment remains pending. A senior official from NMC’s public health engineering department admitted there were no records of past compensation payments to farmers. The affected farmers have approached Revenue Minister and Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, alleging that despite securing favorable court orders, they have not received the compensation. The farmers sought Bawankule’s intervention to expedite the release of funds, emphasizing that years have passed since the court judgments were finalized, despite all legal formalities being completed. Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar stated that the matter is being processed in compliance with judicial directions. He clarified that once NMC deposits the amount with the competent land acquisition authority, the enhanced compensation will be disbursed to the eligible landowners.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #vipin_itankar #chandrashekhar_bawankule #pench_project_cell

Waterlogged, Muddy Roads Cripple Daily Life Across NIT, NMC Areas Incessant rainfall since Monday night has left several parts of Nagpur grappling with slushy roads and waterlogged stretches, disrupting daily life and exposing persistent infrastructure gaps. The city’s neighborhoods under the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) are particularly affected, with residents reporting hazardous conditions caused by mud accumulation and inadequate drainage. In North Nagpur, kutcha roads in multiple NIT layouts have transformed into slippery tracks, making commuting perilous. While widespread waterlogging was not reported, the lack of permanent roads has left two-wheelers skidding, pedestrians wading through ankle-deep slush, and emergency vehicles struggling to access interior localities. The worst-hit areas include Swami Nagar, Bhakti Sagar Nagar, Jai Bhim Nagar, Santa Nagar, Dhammjyoti Nagar, Malka Colony, Patel Nagar, Madhav Nagar, and Samrat Ashok Nagar. Residents have noted that this recurring issue persists every monsoon season, despite repeated demands for road development and drainage improvements. Congress corporator Dinesh Yadav from Prabhag 2 criticized the lack of action, stating, “Every monsoon, these localities are cut off by muddy roads. Despite repeated demands, there has been little effort to provide permanent roads and proper drainage.” Similar complaints have emerged from Nari village’s Gaikwad Layout and adjoining Mayur Nagar, where residents claim poor drainage has worsened the situation after recent rains. The problem extends beyond NIT areas. In New Mankapur under Prabhag 11, residents have sought urgent intervention from the NMC after a muddy stretch outside Trimurti Apartment became accident-prone.#nagpur #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nagpur_improvement_trust #nmc #niti

Nagpur Municipal Corporation Introduces Underground Utility Corridors to Prevent Repeated Road Digging The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has announced plans to construct dedicated underground utility corridors beneath footpaths along newly rebuilt roads to address the recurring issue of road excavation for infrastructure work. The initiative, spearheaded by municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, aims to streamline the installation and maintenance of essential services such as water pipelines, electricity cables, optical fibre networks, and telecom infrastructure. The project will initially be implemented along approximately 38 kilometers of roads in the south-west Assembly constituency as part of the Rs254.99-crore road restoration project. If successful, the model is expected to be expanded to other areas under similar projects. According to civic officials, the underground utility corridors will feature dedicated ducts beneath footpaths on both sides of the roads. These ducts will accommodate existing and future utilities, including household piped natural gas (PNG) pipelines. The design allows utility agencies to access underground services through designated chambers, eliminating the need for repeated road excavations for repairs or new connections. This approach is intended to reduce disruptions to traffic and minimize the damage caused by frequent digging, which has long been a persistent problem in Nagpur. Frequent road cutting by utility agencies has plagued the city for years. Newly resurfaced roads are often dug up within months to lay water pipelines, electricity lines, internet cables, and sewer connections. This cycle of excavation not only causes inconvenience to residents but also undermines the durability of road surfaces.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #vipin_itankar #south_west_assembly_constituency #road_restoration_project

Peddlers Using NMC Properties As Narco Dumps? Citizens Want Action Residents of Nagpur have raised alarms over the alleged misuse of municipal properties by drug peddlers, following the discovery of marijuana concealed in a Smart Toilet managed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Police seized the illicit substance after it was found hidden in the loft of the facility, sparking concerns about the civic body’s ability to safeguard its assets from criminal exploitation. The incident has intensified calls for stricter oversight and improved maintenance of public infrastructure, with citizens demanding accountability from local authorities. The discovery came days after marijuana plants were reportedly found in an NMC garden in Ajni’s Gajanan Nagar. Police acted swiftly, raiding the Smart Toilet in Nandanvan and uncovering ganja allegedly stored in its loft. TOI reporters noted that the main entrance of the facility was locked, but empty liquor bottles littered the area, suggesting the site had been frequented by anti-social elements prior to the police intervention. A spread mattress and water can were found in the loft, which could be accessed via a staircase. However, the loft remained unsecured during the visit, and the door was left ajar, raising questions about the adequacy of NMC’s security measures. Residents expressed frustration over the situation, with Khushagra Joshi, a Nandanvan resident, criticizing the corporation for its inability to manage its properties. “This is appalling. If NMC can’t handle all of its properties, then it should lease them out to private entities completely. At least that will ensure proper maintenance and keep such miscreants away,” Joshi stated.#nagpur #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #smart_toilet #khushagra_joshi

NMC’s Rs12cr Dues Trigger Aapli Bus Strike Nagpur: A financial crisis within the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) transport department plunged the city’s public transport system into chaos on Wednesday as approximately 1,800 conductors affiliated with the Aapli Bus service launched a sudden strike over delayed salaries. The protest, which occurred during peak morning hours, left thousands of commuters stranded and exposed the deepening financial strain on the city’s public transport network. Officials acknowledged that NMC had not released nearly Rs12 crore owed to Chalo Mobility Private Limited (CMPL), the Integrated Bus Transport Management (IBTM) operator responsible for managing conductors. The delayed payment led to salary arrears, sparking the unrest. Of the 690 buses scheduled to operate, only 75 from the Koradi depot were initially withdrawn. While drivers and conductors reported for duty, the conductors refused to board buses after learning their salaries had not been credited. Typically, salaries are disbursed by the 7th of every month. After being informed of the situation, CMPL alerted NMC and used its own funds to pay all conductors by around 9:30 am, allowing services to gradually resume. However, the protest resurfaced later as conductors and drivers pressed for unresolved demands, including House Rent Allowance (HRA), a 26-day duty roster, payment of pending privilege leave encashment, and the deployment of additional conductors to ease workloads. The disruption was further exacerbated by the official Aapli Bus mobile application, which continued to display buses as operating normally and showed live arrival times despite widespread cancellations. Hundreds of commuters waited at bus stops unaware of the service disruptions.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #aapli_bus #chalo_mobility_private_limited #integrated_bus_transport_management

Chalo Mobility Payment Hike Under Scrutiny as Nagpur Municipal Corporation Launches Probe Nagpur: Following allegations of increased payments to Chalo Mobility Pvt Ltd under the Aapli Bus contract, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s transport committee chairperson, Mangala Khekre, announced on Tuesday that an investigation into the matter would be initiated. Khekre cited the expansion of the Aapli Bus fleet and the rise in the number of conductors as reasons for the payment hike, though she did not confirm whether the transport department had secured approval from the competent authority before exceeding the original contract terms. The NMC issued a work order to Chalo Mobility on March 11, 2024, and finalized a five-year contract worth Rs216.30 crore on July 11, 2024. Initially, the company was required to deploy approximately 1,000 conductors at a rate of Rs479 per conductor. However, with the fleet expanding from around 500 buses to nearly 725, the number of conductors increased to about 1,800, and the per-conductor rate rose to Rs509. This led to a monthly payment increase from Rs1.88 crore to Rs2.79 crore, or Rs3.26 crore including GST. Khekre stated she would seek clarification from the department on whether the necessary approvals were obtained, while asserting that there was no breach of the contractual agreement. A special audit, proposed by the transport department, will examine whether the enhanced payments had the required approvals and adhered to the terms of the contract. The audit aims to determine if the adjustments were justified and whether they complied with the original agreement’s stipulations. The probe comes amid growing scrutiny over the financial terms of the Aapli Bus project, which has been a subject of public debate.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #mangala_khekre #aapli_bus #chalo_mobility_pvt_ltd

23 Fall Ill After Drinking Contaminated RO Water in Nagpur Twenty-three individuals, including children, fell ill after consuming contaminated packaged reverse osmosis (RO) water at a birthday celebration in Hanuman Nagar, Nagpur. The incident, reported to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) health department on July 4, has raised fresh concerns about the lack of quality checks in the city’s growing bottled water industry. Officials collected water samples from the event venue and confirmed on Monday that the RO water failed standard safety tests and was contaminated. The affected individuals were treated at NMC’s Isolation Hospital and private medical facilities, with all 23 patients reportedly recovering. As a precaution, civic health teams distributed chlorine tablets and oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets in the affected areas and urged residents to maintain strict hygiene during the monsoon season. A senior health official noted that initial investigations suspected contamination of the municipal tap water supply due to ongoing pipeline repairs and recent heavy rainfall, which could have allowed sewage to seep into damaged infrastructure. However, laboratory tests confirmed the contamination was specifically in the RO can water. The function hall at the event was also using well water, prompting officials to issue a notice to the venue owner on Tuesday. The notice directs them to cease using both the well water and RO cans until safety standards are fully met. The incident has reignited debates over the safety of packaged drinking water, a sector largely operating without stringent regulation. Civic officials acknowledged their limited authority to enforce compliance, highlighting gaps in oversight of commercial water suppliers.#nagpur #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #hanuman_nagar #nmc_isolation_hospital

NMC Nails 155 Hospitals For Bio-Medical Waste Violations, Collects ₹25.69 Lakh in 3 years Nagpur’s Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has imposed fines totaling ₹25.69 lakh on 155 hospitals and healthcare facilities for improper disposal of bio-medical waste, according to records obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request by activist Abhay Kolarkar. The penalties were issued between January 1, 2023, and May 31, 2026, covering all 10 NMC zones. The action followed inspections by the NMC’s nuisance detection squad (NDS), which identified violations related to the disposal of syringes, contaminated dressings, and other hazardous waste. Dharampeth zone accounted for the highest number of violations, with 51 cases resulting in fines of ₹9.65 lakh. Lakadganj followed with 25 cases and penalties of ₹3 lakh, while Hanuman Nagar reported 17 cases involving fines of ₹2.59 lakh. Mangalwari saw 16 establishments fined ₹2.45 lakh, and Laxmi Nagar, despite only eight violations, attracted the second-highest penalty of ₹2.95 lakh. Nehru Nagar and Gandhibagh each recorded 12 cases, with fines of ₹1.45 lakh and ₹1.4 lakh respectively. Dhantoli had eight establishments fined ₹1.4 lakh, while Ashi Nagar saw five cases with penalties of ₹65,000. Satranjipura, the least affected zone, had just one case with a penalty of ₹15,000. The NMC data also highlights a significant rise in bio-medical waste generation. Between 2023 and 2024, the volume increased from 1,632.061 tonnes to 1,862.944 tonnes, a jump of 230.883 tonnes. By October 2025, healthcare establishments generated 1,574.588 tonnes, and an additional 930.952 tonnes was recorded between January and June 2026.#nagpur #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #abhay_kolarkar #right_to_information