Pillars along river banks to check pollution

NASHIK: An extension of steps and pillars along the banks of the Godavari will soon act as a barricade to prevent people from washing vehicles and clothes on river ghats. This was decided on Tuesday during a survey conducted by civic officials and environment activists, along with the police, from Ramkund to Talkuteshwar bridge.
The survey was conducted based on the directions of the Bombay high court and the recent instructions of the divisional revenue commissioner for barricading the river banks.
"The maximum washing takes place on both sides of the Gadge Maharaj Bridge and the ramp near Talkuteshwar bridge. If these areas are barricaded, we will be able to prevent people from washing their vehicles and clothes along the river banks and consequently polluting the river. Fines will be imposed on those who wash clothes here," said environment activist Rajesh Pandit.
Explaining about the barricading plans, a senior official of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) confirmed that the ghats and the pillars would be extended.
"There are pillars near the slum below the Gadge Maharaj Bridge which prevents vehicles from entering the premises. But there is a road below the bridge which also leads to Ganeshwadi and vehicles enter from here to access the river. We are planning to construct similar pillars close to the river here to prevent vehicles. Near Talkuteshwar Bridge where there is a slope for vehicles to reach the river we will extend the ghat by continuing the steps. On the other end, where the new Shahi Marg was constructed, the steps prevent the vehicles reaching the river banks. Barricading will prevent people from washing clothes or vehicles. We will fine people for commercial washing of clothes. We will also work towards forming a dhobi ghat soon," said an NMC official.
It was also decided that CCTVs will be installed on the five high mast lights from Ramkund to Talkuteshwar that will give a broad view of the activities on the river and its banks.