NMC Awaits Handover of 18 Completed Smart City Projects.

Despite the completion of 18 significant smart city projects under the Smart City Mission, including the much-anticipated Goda Park and the crucial Emergency Operation Centre, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is yet to receive formal possession. This delay has left some projects, like the ₹20 crore Goda Park, lying idle for over 15 months since their inauguration, much to the disappointment of city residents.

The Goda Park project, a key component of the Godavari beautification initiative, was completed approximately a year ago but remains closed to the public. This ₹20 crore investment boasts a range of attractions including children's play areas, an amphitheatre, a fountain, an open gym, a rose garden, and an open restaurant. Additionally, a floating jetty was constructed to facilitate boat rides on the Godavari River. The overall Godavari beautification project, encompassing developments at Godaghat near Ramkund and Ramwadi, along with another garden on the opposite bank of Ramkund, and basalt flooring and 'Deepstambhs' at Godaghat, amounts to a total cost of around ₹75 crore.

Taking cognizance of the delay, Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri has now set a one-month deadline for the formal handover of all 18 completed projects to the NMC. Speaking to the press, Khatri emphasized that the handover must include comprehensive service level agreements. "The formal handing over for all projects will take some time as we need to enter into tripartite agreements between contractors, smart city corporation, and the NMC for operations and maintenance," Khatri explained, expressing optimism that the process will be concluded within the next month.

Sumant More, CEO of Nashik Municipal Smart City Development Corporation Ltd (NMSCDCL), confirmed that 18 out of the total 21 projects under the Smart City Mission have been completed. These 18 projects represent a significant investment of ₹650 crore out of the total ₹1,000 crore allocated for all 21 initiatives. More stated that NMSCDCL is actively working on the tripartite agreements necessary for the smooth transfer of these completed projects to the NMC for operationalization and public use. The swift handover is eagerly awaited by the citizens of Nashik, particularly for flagship projects like the Goda Park, which holds the promise of becoming a major recreational hub for the city.