FIRs for Garbage Dumpers, EncroachersAs NMC Admits Civic Mess In City Zones | Nagpur News

Nagpur: Facing mounting complaints over encroachments, clogged drains, sewer overflows and irregular garbage collection, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Monday announced stringent measures, including police action for dumping waste in drains and habitual encroachers.The decisions were taken at review meetings held at the Laxmi Nagar and Dharampeth zone offices, chaired by municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar and attended by Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, zone chairpersons, corporators and senior civic officials.Public representatives said encroachers often return within days of demolition drives, undermining anti-encroachment efforts. Particular concern was expressed over the proliferation of illegal meat markets in Laxmi Nagar zone, which corporators said were creating health and sanitation issues.Itankar directed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach. “We will register FIRs against those found dumping waste into drains and public places. Materials belonging to illegal vendors and encroachers, including meat market operators, will be seized during future drives,” he said. He added that the civic body would seek police assistance and support from local corporators to ensure sustained enforcement.The meetings also focused on the city’s worsening sewer blockage problem. Corporators said emergency complaints often remain unattended, especially on holidays. To address the issue, NMC will procure at least 10 additional sewer-cleaning machines — one for each zone — while the state govt is expected to provide five more. Public representatives urged the administration to deploy at least two such machines in every zone.Corporators also criticised the private solid waste management agency over irregular garbage collection, delayed visits by collection vehicles, and the emergence of black spots at garbage transfer points. Other issues raised included inadequate drain cleaning, non-functional garden lights, shortage of sanitation workers, the stray dog menace, water supply disruptions and inconvenience caused by road excavation works under the AMRUT-2 project.Dharampeth zone chairperson Dhanashree Deshpande highlighted the discharge of untreated industrial effluents from MIDC areas into Ambazari Lake. Corporators also sought dedicated personnel to handle sewer emergencies during government holidays.To improve accountability, Itankar announced that all zone offices will hold a ‘Citizen Grievance Redressal Day’ on the second and fourth Fridays of every month, enabling residents to seek on-the-spot resolution of civic issues. He also directed officials to strengthen the Nuisance Detection Squad by increasing manpower and intensifying action at chronic garbage dumping sites.