Latest news with #AbhijeetChaudhari


Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Nagpur struggles with unresolved civic complaints despite improved cleanliness ranking
1 2 Nagpur: Buried under a deluge of complaints, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is struggling to address civic grievances, exposing a widening gap between public expectations and actual service delivery. Between April 1 and August 4, the civic body received a staggering 56,400 complaints, averaging 460 per day across 31 departments. However, it resolved only 35,563 — around 276 per day — exposing delays in grievance redressal and coordination among departments. The stats paint a grim picture despite Nagpur climbing from 27th to 22A in the revised Swachh Survekshan rankings. While officials cite this as proof of improved sanitation and public engagement, citizens continue to deal with overflowing garbage bins, foul-smelling drains, and chronic waterlogging. The health sanitation department led the list with 21,183 complaints, of which 3,829 remain unresolved, raising questions over the efficiency of solid waste management, despite repeated contract extensions and mechanisation efforts. The Public Works Department (PWD) followed with 7,178 complaints, mostly related to pothole-ridden roads, broken footpaths, and pending repairs. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, responsible for sewerage, stormwater drains, and waterlogging, logged 6,443 complaints. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Living perfectly well without American goods': Why more Chinese shoppers support local brands CNA Read More Undo The water works department registered 3,386 complaints, reflecting ongoing issues with the drinking water supply. Meanwhile, 2,431 complaints were lodged with the malaria and filaria department, triggered by a surge in mosquito infestations during the monsoon. Other departments with high complaint volumes included the garden department (3,920) and the encroachment department (2,894). Notably, 8,939 complaints were either rejected or remain marked as "under progress," with little or no visible action on the ground. "Swachh rankings are for dashboards. We want our drains cleared, garbage lifted on time, and streets swept daily," said a Gandhibagh resident who has filed five complaints since June — all marked "resolved," though the garbage outside her house hasn't moved in days. Of the total complaints, 9,152 came through the call centre, 23,994 via the official website, and 22,235 through the mobile app. To his credit, municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari has expanded access to grievance platforms via call centre, website, and mobile app. A senior NMC stated that the improved ranking reflects better digital documentation and citizen engagement. But for many residents, metrics mean little when garbage remains uncleared and drains continue to stink. With civic elections approaching, voters may not be impressed by rankings or PR campaigns. The real verdict, many say, will be delivered on broken roads, mosquito-infested lanes, and stagnant water in low-lying areas. Until the speed and quality of complaint resolution improves, and inter-departmental coordination strengthens, Nagpur's "clean city" tag risks being buried under the very garbage it fails to lift. Poor Ratings Reflect Public Discontent Despite the civic body's digital outreach initiatives, citizen satisfaction with complaint redressal remains lukewarm. Of all the resolved complaints, only 202 received a 10-star rating, while 81 were rated just one star, indicating frustration over delays and incomplete resolutions. Delays & Deadlocks A key concern is the number of cases stuck due to "financial implications". As many as 444 complaints, mostly related to road resurfacing, sewer reconnections, and broken drain repairs, remain unresolved because of a funds crunch. Insiders admit that such cases often get caught in bureaucratic bottlenecks, halting progress indefinitely. Adding to the woes is rampant inter-departmental buck-passing. Over 2,000 complaints have been transferred between departments without resolution. The Public Works, Garden, Encroachment, and Public Health Engineering departments top the list, highlighting serious coordination and accountability lapses. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !


Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Tekdi road war memorial gets administrative nod
1 2 Nagpur: In a tribute to the indomitable courage of India's soldiers, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) got administrative approval to build a grand war memorial on Tekdi Road, on defence ministry-owned land. The monument will honour those who fought valiantly and laid down their lives in five major post-Independence wars — the 1948 Indo-Pak War, the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and the 1999 Kargil conflict. The project, initiated by municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari as part of NMC's Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, aims to inspire patriotism among youth and future generations by showcasing the stories of bravery and sacrifice. The defence ministry agreed to allot a 29,000sqft plot free for the memorial. The design proposal came from a city-based NGO, Nagpur 2025. Following correspondence between Chaudhari and Major General SK Vidyarthi, the defence ministry issued a formal no-objection certificate. NMC has earmarked Rs10 crore for the project, ensuring it reflects public sentiments while avoiding any element that may hurt community sensitivities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Safest Cities Where People can Live in Peace Undo Two Memorandums of Understanding are planned — one with the defence department (for the land), and another with Nagpur 2025 (for the design). The memorial will be designed to avoid overcrowding while allowing visitors a clear view of the displays and narratives. It will chronicle acts of heroism — from soldiers who repelled enemy advances to those who made the supreme sacrifice — making it an educational and emotionally stirring landmark for Nagpur. Chaudhari said the war memorial would serve as "a source of inspiration for children and youth to understand the value of courage and sacrifice in nation-building". Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !


Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
NMC's Tricolour bike rally ignites patriotism, draws huge response
1 2 3 Nagpur: The city's main junctions resonated with "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" slogan as Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) organised a Tricolour bike rally on Friday as part of Central govt's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. Flagged off from NMC headquarters by municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari, the rally saw participation from additional commissioners Vusmana Pant, Vaishnavi B., and Ajay Charthanakar, chief fire officer Tushar Barahate, deputy commissioners Milind Meshram and Ganesh Rathod, assistant commissioner Shyam Kapse, medical health officer Dr Deepak Selokar, chief sanitation officer Dr Gajendra Mahalle; sports officer Dr Piyush Ambulkar; social welfare dept superintendent Rajkumar Meshram and anti-encroachment squad head Virsen Tambe, among other officials and employees. Chaudhari said the civic body is working to create an atmosphere of patriotism across the city and appealed to Nagpurians to actively participate in the campaign by hoisting the tricolour atop their homes. Organised to strengthen patriotic sentiments among citizens, the rally received overwhelming support from officials, employees, and the public. Citizens spontaneously joined in as the rally passed through key city junctions. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
NMC Pulled Down Over 20,000 Illegal Advertisement Displays In 7 Months
Nagpur: In a sweeping citywide crackdown on unauthorized advertisements, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) dismantled over 20,000 illegal hoardings, banners, posters and welcome gates in just seven months. In an affidavit submitted to the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on Thursday, municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari gave details of the civic body's enforcement drive and informed that 20,289 such structures were removed from January to July 2025. Represented through counsel Sudhir Puranik, the commissioner also informed the court that Rs1.75 lakh in penalties was recovered from offenders and 265 police complaints registered. The affidavit was filed during the hearing of contempt petition (No. 256/2010) filed by NGO Parivartan through its president Dinesh Naidu. Chaudhari made it clear that the 10 zonal assistant commissioners will be held personally accountable for any failure in implementing the drive. "Instructions have been issued across all 10 zones to ensure strict adherence to the court's directions. Officers found neglecting their duties will face disciplinary action," he stated in reference to a January 18 circular warning of punitive measures for non-compliance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The action is being taken under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations (Regulation and Control of Display of Sky-Signs and Advertisement) Rules, 2022, notified by the Urban Development Department. The civic body has also strengthened public participation through the 'Nagpur Live' app and online grievance portal, where citizens can report unauthorized hoardings. A large number of such complaints have already been addressed, the NMC said. To bolster enforcement, NMC has deployed daily surveillance vans. The drive is intensified during festival seasons like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali and Dhammachakra Pravartan Din. Coordination meetings with city police and the district administration are also being held to maintain vigilance and compliance, the court was informed. While conditional permissions are granted for temporary structures like pandals during festivals, Chaudhari clarified that any form of advertisement or sky-signs displayed on them must be separately licenced. The affidavit comes in the backdrop of a 2017 order by the then high court bench comprising justices Bhushan Dharmadhikari and Rohit Deo, which warned political parties of contempt notices for defacing public spaces with unlicenced hoardings. The court strongly observed that "mere registration of FIRs isn't enough" and called for registering offences against political leaders and printers involved in recurring violations. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.


Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Nagpur Municipal Corporation holds human chain and handloom exhibition
1 2 Nagpur: To mark 11th National Handloom Day, Nagpur Municipal Corporation's Industrial Education and Training Department organised a human chain and handloom exhibition at Rajkumar Kewalramani High School, Jaripatka, on Thursday. The vent was held under Under the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. The programme was held under the guidance of municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari and additional commissioner Vasumana Pant in Zone 10, Prabhag 1. School management president Prof Vijay Kewalramani, zone head Sunny Nakke, principal Neelam Ahuja, and other dignitaries including Aditya Khapekar, Nishant Waghmare, Tushar Samudre, Nirmala Nagbhidkar, Rishabh Samudre, and supervisor Rajendrakaur Sapra were present. Students, dressed in traditional attire, participated in a human chain to spread the message of 'Vocal for Local' and pledged support to indigenous products, echoing the spirit of self-reliant India. Prof Kewalramani emphasised that 'Vocal for Local' is not just a slogan but a crucial step toward national self-reliance. Zone head Nakke highlighted the campaign's role in fostering unity and patriotism. The event, anchored by Deepak Barange and concluded with a vote of thanks by Juhi Kungwani, was made successful through the dedicated efforts of Suresh Muddamwar, Barange, and Reena Sapra. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.