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In a significant move towards urban planning and social inclusion, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is preparing to conduct a comprehensive survey on unauthorized settlements within the city limits. This survey's results will play a pivotal role in the state government's decision on the possible legitimization of these settlements.
The state government has urged the NMC to thoroughly investigate the status of unauthorized settlements in Nashik. The main objective of this survey is to examine the possibility of regularizing these informal settlements. Consequently, the NMC is tasked with compiling a detailed report to help guide the state government's subsequent decision.
Multiple NMC departments, including town planning, land acquisition, and slums, are expected to collaborate in the execution of this survey. They are charged with gathering data on the residents of these unauthorized settlements, presenting a comprehensive report to the Municipal Commissioner for further action.
The issue of unauthorized settlements is not new to Nashik. Previously, the city was home to 167 slums. Eight of these have seen significant improvements under the government's Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) scheme. According to a survey carried out in 2017-18, there are currently 159 slums across the city, housing a population of approximately 1.94 lakh.
Out of these 159 settlements, 55 have been authorized so far. NMC insiders speculate that there is potential for the state government to legitimize the remaining 104 settlements. These include 82 settlements situated on private land, six on land owned by the NMC, and the remaining 16 on government-owned land.
The matter of legitimizing unauthorized settlements gained traction during a state assembly session. Following this, the Urban Development Department of the state government endorsed the NMC to undertake a thorough investigation into the status of the settlements, and to submit a report outlining their findings.
Upon receiving this endorsement, the NMC has set the wheels in motion to carry out the survey. This move is seen as a positive step towards social inclusion and urban planning. However, it is not without challenges, considering the complexities related to land ownership and the provision of basic services.
Previously, a delegation of corporators, led by former opposition leader in the civic body Ajay Borate, met with then-State Minister for Urban Development in the MVA government, Eknath Shinde. The group requested a rehabilitation plan for the slum dwellers in Nashik city, to which Shinde assured that the matter would be addressed. The delegation further suggested the introduction of cluster development projects for the redevelopment of gaothan areas in the city.
In conclusion the proposed survey by the NMC signifies an important step towards urban inclusivity and better living conditions for around 1.94 lakh city residents currently residing in unauthorized settlements. This initiative underscores the crucial role of urban planning and the provision of basic services for all urban dwellers. As the process unfolds, the eyes of Nashik city are fixed on the state government, eagerly awaiting their decision that may reshape the lives of many.
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