Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) general body meeting on Wednesday turned into a fiery battleground as corporators tore into the administration, accusing it of turning a blind eye to rampant encroachments, illegal hoardings, and road-blocking wedding pandals that are pushing the city towards daily paralysis.
In unusually sharp and united voices cutting across party lines, elected members warned that Nagpur’s roads are no longer public spaces but have been hijacked for private use, crippling traffic and even endangering emergency services.
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Apr 23 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
“Roads are being hijacked”
The debate opened with explosive claims that wedding pandals and private events are being openly erected on busy roads with little fear of action. IUML corporator Aslam Khan demanded strict penalties against decorators, calling the situation “completely out of control.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishore Kumeriya raised concerns over religious processions choking key junctions, insisting on a uniform and transparent permission policy to prevent chaos.
Encroachments everywhere, enforcement nowhere
As the discussion deepened, corporators painted a grim picture of a city overrun by illegal markets, hawkers, and temporary structures. Prime areas like Mahal, Sitabuldi, and IT Park Road were flagged as hotspots where footpaths have virtually disappeared. BJP corporator Sanjay Balpande said encroachments in Central Nagpur have “multiplied manifold,” pointing to illegal markets mushrooming around Rajwada Palace.
Shockingly, members claimed that nearly 56 illegal markets are operating across the city, including a major weekly stretch from Santra Market to Natthi Chowk, with little to no intervention.
The tone escalated further when BJP corporator Sachin Naik alleged complicity within the system, claiming that violations persist due to protection from within.
Leader of Opposition Sanjay Mahakalkar dropped another bombshell, stating that Assistant Commissioners from all 10 zones have written to Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar, seeking protection from alleged political pressure that obstructs action. He also questioned the deployment of anti-encroachment squads, alleging that three out of five teams are restricted to Sitabuldi Main Road, leaving the rest of the city virtually unchecked.
Illegal hoardings emerged as another flashpoint, with BJP’s Vijay Zalke warning of dangerous structures erected near high-tension power lines, posing serious safety risks.
While officials claimed action against over 12,000 hoardings and filing of 4,000 police complaints, corporators dismissed the figures as misleading, citing lack of structural audits and glaring discrepancies.
Congress corporator Abhijeet Jha flagged massive revenue losses due to weak enforcement, while others slammed the irony of poor civic amenities like bus stops coexisting with an explosion of illegal hoardings.
‘Mission 100 Days’ announced amid skepticism
Facing mounting outrage, Mayor Neeta Thakre announced a citywide “Mission 100 Days” crackdown on encroachments and illegal hoardings, warning that accountability would be fixed on Assistant Commissioners and ward officers.
But the announcement failed to convince the House.
Corporators bluntly stated that previous drives have been cosmetic, selective, and short-lived, warning that unless enforcement is consistent and citywide, the situation will only worsen.
Commissioner Itankar acknowledged the gravity of the issue, calling for better coordination with police and the revenue department. He also hinted at plans for rehabilitating hawkers and creating designated vending zones — a long-pending demand.
Amid the heated debate, the House quietly passed the Environment Status Report for 2024–25 without discussion. Later, Mayor Thakre revealed that the report, prepared by NEERI, flagged serious concerns including pollution from dumping yards, construction dust, and contamination of the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers.
The House also approved property tax rebates to encourage timely payments, offering up to 15% discount for early online payments.
Despite announcements and assurances, the message from the general body was loud and clear: Nagpur is choking under unchecked encroachments, and unless the system acts beyond tokenism, the city risks descending into complete urban disorder.
