Nashik: NMC Claims 18,423 Potholes Filled Ahead Of Ganeshotsav, But Complaints Persist

In preparation for Ganeshotsav, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has claimed to have filled 18,423 potholes around the city, aiming to ensure road safety before the festival. However, doubts persist over the efficacy of the repairs. Prior to the monsoon season, NMC authorities estimated that approximately 21,000 potholes were present, but they later revised this number to between 19,000 and 20,000. The latest update, as the festival draws closer, puts the figure at 18,423.

The pothole filling campaign is ongoing, with repairs carried out using temporary methods such as Granular Sub-Base (GSB), cold mix, and macadam. These methods are employed since permanent asphalt work is difficult to implement during the monsoon. However, the durability of these solutions has come under scrutiny, as citizens worry that the fillings may be washed away or reopen during subsequent rains.

Ganesh mandals, who are responsible for setting up their pandals during Ganeshotsav, have expressed dissatisfaction with the current road conditions. Some of these mandals are contemplating changing the locations of their pandals due to persistent potholes and excavation work. The administration has directed officials to address potholes on major roads, important junctions, market areas, and immersion procession routes by September 13, a day before the festival begins.

NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri has emphasized the need for quick action, instructing departments to prevent waterlogging and sewage overflow on roads. The deadline for these repairs also highlights the priority given to major roads and immersion procession routes leading up to Ganeshotsav. However, citizens remain unconvinced about the resilience of the temporary repairs, questioning whether they will hold up under the heavy rains after the festival.