Peddlers Using NMC Properties As Narco Dumps? Citizens Want Action | Nagpur News

ganja allegedly concealed in the loft of an NMC Smart Toilet

Nagpur: Days after suspected marijuana plants were found inside a Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) garden in Ajni’s Gajanan Nagar, police on Saturday seized ganja allegedly concealed in the loft of an NMC Smart Toilet. The incidents have sparked concerns whether drug peddlers are misusing the properties as well as facilities of the civic body.On Sunday, TOI found the main entrance of the Smart Toilet in Nandanvan shut. Empty liquor bottles were strewn around the premises, suggesting the place may have been frequented by anti-social elements even before the police action.A spread mattress and water can were found in the loft, which can be accessed with a staircase. TOI couldn’t verify whether the loft was occupied by someone appointed by NMC for maintenance purposes. The loft remained unsecured when TOI visited the place. Additionally, the door was found ajar.“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,” said Khushagra Joshi, a Nandanvan resident.“NMC must improve surveillance of its assets through regular inspections, deployment of security personnel and installation of functional CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations. Public infrastructure meant to serve citizens should not become a refuge for anti-social elements,” said another resident, Shyamal Singh.Mayor Neeta Thakre told TOI that she will review the situation and take measures to dissuade such incidents from taking place in the future.NMC commissioner Vipin Itankar told TOI that he will coordinate with CP Vishwas Nangre Patil for initiating measures in this regard.