Nagpur: A slipper-garland protest and symbolic funeral procession outside the north division office of Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) near Power Grid Chowk on Friday brought to the fore the simmering anger of residents of north Nagpur. The residents accused NIT and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) of passing the buck while basic civic infrastructure continues to crumble across north Nagpur.The agitation, led by former corporator Rakesh Nikose along with local activist Babu Khan, targeted years of alleged neglect. Protesters claimed residents continue to pay taxes to both NIT and NMC but receive little in return. They garlanded symbolic effigies with slippers, raised slogans against both agencies and demanded immediate action to improve roads, drainage and sanitation.Residents held a symbolic demonstration by placing effigies and garlanding them with slippers to draw the attention of authorities. They highlighted problems posed by unfinished roads, mud dumped on road stretches, recurring accidents and the absence of accountability among civic authorities.Nikose alleged that several roads in north Nagpur, particularly around Power Grid Square and adjoining areas, have remained in poor condition for years. Protesters said contractors routinely dump soil on damaged stretches instead of carrying out proper repairs. During the monsoon, the loose mud is washed away, creating a slush that leads to two-wheelers skidding on the road.The protesters also questioned the prolonged delay in completing bitumen roads and alleged that residents are forced to shuttle between NIT and NMC offices whenever they seek redressal. According to them, each agency shifts responsibility to the other, leaving civic issues unresolved despite repeated complaints.The recent flooding in the city further fuelled public anger. Demonstrators claimed stagnant water, overflowing drains and pothole-ridden roads have increased the risk of dengue and malaria while making commuting hazardous. They also referred to incidents during the recent deluge where ambulances and emergency vehicles struggled to navigate flooded roads, saying the situation reflected years of poor planning and inadequate maintenance.Nikose demanded immediate reconstruction of damaged roads, scientific drainage improvements and a clear demarcation of responsibilities between NIT and NMC. He warned that if the long-pending civic issues remain unresolved, the agitation would be intensified with larger public participation in the coming weeks.
