Nagpur: Simmering discontent among 160 corporators over the civic administration’s unresponsiveness erupted at Wednesday’s general body meeting, with members across party lines launching a scathing attack on Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).From choked sewer lines and garbage-strewn open plots to transport department irregularities and inadequate public toilets, corporators listed a string of civic failures, accusing officials of routinely ignoring complaints. The sharp exchanges signalled a widening rift between elected representatives and the administration, barely nine months after corporators returned to the NMC following four years of administrative rule.Members alleged that complaints about choked sewer lines went unattended for prolonged periods, forcing residents to endure overflowing sewage and unhygienic conditions. Irregular cleaning by sanitation workers in several wards also drew criticism, as did the administration’s failure to maintain open plots, where garbage continues to pile up, and the shortage of public toilets.The transport department’s functioning and the lack of amenities at bus stops came in for sharp criticism as well. Corporators also raised difficulties faced by citizens in obtaining birth and death certificates, and the facilities provided to contractual employees.Tempers flared further when officials gave brief, unsatisfactory replies to corporators’ questions. Members voiced anger over what they called a casual approach to issues affecting residents, asking why repeated complaints had failed to prompt timely action.Ruling party leader Narendra Borkar, Leader of Opposition Sanjay Mahakalkar, and group leaders from various parties questioned the administration’s functioning. Municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar was repeatedly called upon to explain the delays, and the intensity of the questioning forced officials to respond to several contentious issues.Mayor Neeta Thakre, too, expressed strong displeasure over the handling of civic complaints, stressing that officials must act with greater sensitivity and urgency. She repeatedly sought explanations from officials, directed the commissioner to ensure civic problems were addressed without delay, and warned that officials found negligent in discharging their duties would face strict action.ADMINISTRATION FAILS TO ACT ON CIVIC COMPLAINTSEMPTY PLOTS REMAIN A PUBLIC NUISANCE: Despite repeated complaints of garbage, foul smell, overgrown grass, bushes and insect infestation on vacant plots, civic action remains inadequate, especially in the city’s peripheral areas.OFFICIALS IGNORE COMPLAINTS: Mayor Neeta Thakre directed strict action against officials who fail to act on complaints, highlighting the administration’s lack of responsiveness.PLOT OWNERS NOT HELD ACCOUNTABLE: Despite provisions allowing action against responsible plot holders, including registration of cases and recovery of cleaning expenses, the issue continues to plague residential areas.SEWERAGE WASTE DUMPED ON EMPTY PLOTS: Complaints of sewerage waste being discharged on vacant plots have also surfaced, adding to residents’ problems.CHOKAGE MACHINE FILE HELD UP FOR TWO MONTHS: Despite instructions issued two months ago to purchase small choking machines at the zone level, the file remained pending with officials. The mayor questioned who was responsible for sitting on the file.NO ZONE-LEVEL MACHINES DESPITE DIRECTIONS: The mayor had directed that choking machines be made available at the zone level, but procurement was delayed.SANITATION STAFF ABSENT FROM DUTY: Despite recruitment of sanitation workers, the mayor said several employees were not present on duty, raising questions over supervision and accountability.ATTENDANCE SYSTEM FLOUTED: Sanitary inspectors allegedly arrive at attendance stands late, while workers holding additional charge of jamadars mark attendance, allowing employees to remain absent.OUTSOURCING OF DUTIES BY SANITATION WORKERS: Corporators alleged that some employees paid Rs10,000 to engage others in their place, with the substitutes carrying out sweeping duties.
