In a move to protect commuters from the blistering summer heat, the Standing Committee has finally approved the installation of green shade nets at major road junctions. The decision, made on Tuesday, comes as Nagpur experiences temperatures soaring toward 44°C. While the project typically launches in early April, administrative delays pushed the approval back by nearly 20 days. To compensate for the lost time, officials have set a deadline of April 30 to complete installations across 18 to 20 key intersections.
To prevent further setbacks from a lengthy tendering process, Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhre announced a streamlined approach. No New Tenders while it helps to save time, last year’s lowest bidders (L-1 contractors) will execute the project. It comes with freezing the cost. The work will be carried out at previous rates with no cost escalation. Although the ₹65 lakh proposal was initially cleared by the Municipal Commissioner on March 30, it only reached the committee this week. Authorities are now under strict orders to finish the work within the next few days.
Addressing the Heat Action Plan
The primary goal of the initiative is to provide immediate relief to motorists waiting at traffic signals during peak heat hours. While the delay sparked concerns regarding administrative readiness, the committee has indicated that more locations may be added if the heatwave persists or intensifies.
Additional Approvals: Fire Services
Beyond the shade net initiative, the committee also addressed critical staffing needs for the city’s safety:
- Contractual Extension: A proposal to extend the service of 53 contractual firemen for an additional six months was approved.
- Legal Context: This extension remains subject to the final outcome of a regularization case currently pending in the High Court.
These measures, along with several other infrastructure clearances, highlight the city’s effort to manage both public comfort and essential services during the peak of the summer season. Stay tuned to know more about it only with us.
