NMC News Nashik: ₹150 Crore Spent on Contractor Even Before Project Begins, Raising Eyebrows Over Civic Administration

Nashik:
In a shocking revelation, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has reportedly released ₹150 crore to a private contractor even before the actual work began on a controversial ₹1,400-crore sewage treatment project. The project, launched under the pretext of strengthening wastewater treatment systems ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, has now sparked a major debate over the functioning and transparency of the civic body.

According to NMC officials, the payment has been made as per the contractual terms. However, insiders claim the move was influenced by “orders from higher authorities,” raising suspicion of political interference.

The project, being implemented on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has already been under the scanner for alleged irregularities. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) city chief Pravin Tidme had earlier filed a complaint with the Urban Development Department, highlighting several technical inconsistencies in the tender process. Following this, the department sought a detailed report from the corporation.

Despite these objections, the government, based on technical approval from the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, cleared the project under a 70:30 funding ratio. Several BJP legislators — including Pravin Darekar, Adv. Niranjan Davkhare, Prasad Lad, and Chitra Wagh — reportedly pushed for legislative backing to regularize the disputed project.

Interestingly, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde himself had stated in the Assembly that the project was being approved without proper authorization from the Central Pollution Control Board and MJP. Yet, NMC’s sewerage department went ahead and signed an agreement with Vishwraj Company, issuing a work order in July.

Now, reports indicate that ₹150 crore is being paid to the contractor even before the actual groundwork begins, intensifying suspicions of a premeditated financial irregularity.

Meanwhile, the NMC has resorted to taking a loan from the World Bank to fulfill this payment. Sources allege that the contractor has strong political backing from a senior minister in the ruling coalition, and that key project files are being expedited with unusual urgency. A separate officer has reportedly been appointed within NMC solely to handle this company’s documentation.

The entire episode has once again brought the transparency and accountability of the Nashik Municipal Corporation under serious scrutiny.