INTRODUCTION
Nasik is an
important city of Maharashtra,
economically and socially the most advanced state in India.
Geographical proximity to Mumbai (Economic capital of India) has
influenced its growth in post independence years. Developments of past two decades
have completely transformed this traditional pilgrimage centre into a vibrant
modern metropolis and Nasik is
poised to become a metropolis with global links. New Nasik has
emerged out of the dreams, hard work and enterprising spirit of local and migrant
people.
Development of
multiple economic activities in and around Nasik has
this common theme of people's initiative and actions, spirit of constant
learning and innovating through experiences of regional, national and global
sources and experimentation. The spirit of adventure can be traced to the
mythology of Lord Rama who chose the riverbanks of Godavari, the present Nasik, as
his home in exile. Nasik thus
became a city of pilgrimage and acquired the status of Benaras
of South India.
Global connections
of Nasik have
been traced back to second century BC. Archaeologists have established its
links to Roman Empire through trade.
Buddhist stone-cut caves dated 175 BC and Chamar
caves of the Jain period still attract large number of visitors. Muslim, Maratha
and British rulers governed this city in last 500 years. Each period left its cultural and
architectural imprints on the city fabric. Additions of modern activities and
functions to the city has not undermined the traditional role of Nasik as
pilgrimage centre but old built form is rapidly decaying and is getting
consumed in the commercialisation.
This paper studies
the growth of Nasik and
its surrounding region based on industrialisation. It also considers the city
growth in relation to the process of urbanisation, changing trends and patterns
of settlements of Indian subcontinent.
Globalisation
based on new technological developments will have a great bearing on the future
course of urban development and its significance for Indian people. Concepts like
formation of Global village will have revolutionary impacts on the human
society. I am tempted to name this as period of Globalayan,
a period of transformation of world into a global village whereby cities like Nasik will
have a greater role to play.
Nasik and Surrounding
Village Settlements Before 1882
VILLAGES MERGED WITHIN CITY LIMITS
|
1.
MAKHAMALABAD GAOTHAN
|
14.
AMBAD KH.
|
|
2.
MHARSUL
|
15.
KAMATWADA
|
|
3.
ADGAON
|
16.
SATPUR
|
|
4.
GANGAPUR
|
17.
PATHARDI
|
|
5.
ANANDVALLI
|
18.
WADALE
|
|
6.
NASIK
|
19.
VADNER
|
|
6a.
PANCHAVATI
|
20.
DEOLALI
|
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7.
NANDUR DASTAK
|
21.
VIHIT
|
|
8.
MANUR
|
22.
CHEHEDI
|
|
9.
PANCHAK
|
23.
DEGAON
|
|
10.
BASAK
|
24.
SAMANGAON
|
|
11.
EKLEHRA
|
25.
KOTAMGAON
|
|
12.
PIMPALGAON BAHULA
|
26.
DADHEGAON
|
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13.
CHUNOHALA
|
27.
PIMPALGAON KHAM
|
A BRIEF HISTORY OF NASIK
Nasik Before 1882
Nasik is
located on the nine peaks of Deccan
plateau. River Godavari flows
through the centre of the City. The left bank area, known as Panchavati, is believed to be the land chosen by Lord Rama for his stay in exile. There are a number of temples
and a cave supposed to have been used by Sita, wife
of Lord Rama. Tapovan, a
small forest area for meditation is located nearby. Traditionally the families
staying in this part of city are engaged in religious activities.
Muslim population settled on the right
bank of Godavari, when Nasik came
under Muslim rule in 13-16th century. An old Gadhi
(Fort of smaller size) with walled enclosure was constructed by the Muslim
Rulers. Prior to Muslim occupation of the city there were as many as 200 large
and small temples on both the banks of river Godavari. These temples
used to be busy with religious activities throughout the day all round the
year. During Muslim rule, they lost their glory and were slowly transformed
into ruins. Yet Nasik held
on to its position as an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus.
Peshavas from
Pune won control of Nasik in the
17th century. They took keen interest in the renovation and development of Nasik city.
They invited various craftsmen to construct temples and buildings. They encouraged
traders to settle and
start business in Nasik. The
city flourished during this period. Many old temples in ruin were renovated
with large donations from the trading community and the rulers. New temple
complexes were constructed in 17-18 century in Nasik and
its surrounding villages such as Trimbakeswar, Chandvad, Sinnar and Anjaneri that are within 20 km radius. Large residential
buildings called Wadas (houses with
courtyards) including those for the Peshava were
constructed. Most of the new development of this period took place on the Right
Bank of the river.
After prolonged
fights in the region, the British occupied Nasik
towards the second decade of 19 century. In 1818, the Nasik
district area completely came under British rule. In next few decades The
British Rule was consolidated. Subsequently new administration based on British
model was successfully implemented in the district.
Nasik was
given the status of a town and municipal council was established in 1865. Even
in this period Nasik continued
to be a religious centre. Brahmin community of Nasik was
very influential. The British administration on many occassions
had to bow to the wishes of Brahmin community. Construction of Railway line
joining Mumbai was the most significant development of the 19-century. But
Brahmins opposed its entry into Nasik city
on religious grounds. Finally the railway line was realigned to a distance of
10 km from city and the station was named as Nasik
Road (1865)! However resistance to the
construction of a bridge across River Godavari was
successfully defused. Tram was another addition to the city, which became
necessary due to the distance between city and Railway station. Highway
connecting Mumbai to North India
passing through Nasik was
constructed replacing earlier Bullock cart track.
In 1882 Nasik was
appointed with a local self-government by enactment of municipal law by the
British rule. The author considers History of modern Nasik to
start from this year.
Nasik after 1882
Last decade of 19th century and first
fifty years of 20th century were turbulent. All countries of the world were
affected by the events of this period such as world wars, economic upheavals
etc. Urbanisation in India based
on industrial production had started in the late British period. Port towns
like Calcutta,
Mumbai, Chennai (Madras)
became first industrial towns. Population of these cities grew rapidly due to
the multiple economic activities but the progress of urbanisation in this
period was not steady. In the first half of this century, epidemics like plague
(1911), Influenza (1918) and the first World War (1914-18) and great world
economic depression of 1930's were responsible for this irregular process of
urbanisation. Urban population declined in the face of these global events. On
the other hand, rapid urbanisation took place in the second
World War period in 1939-1946 due to the required increase in industrial
production. Another spell of rapid growth in Indian urban population took place
in 1947 due to the large number of refugees after partition of the country.
Till 1947 Nasik was a
small and relatively insignificant town. Population of Nasik in the
first five decades of this century multiplied more than four times (Refer graph
on page 7). This growth in population was primarily due to administrative
functions of the city as a district headquarter.
Establishment of India security press in 1925 and currency note press in 1928
were only major additional functions requiring a workforce. Military cantonment
areas at Deolali and artillery centre at Nasik
Road, were established in war period
(1918). All these additions were outside
the then city limits of Nasik,
located about 8-10 km away, near the railway station of Nasik
Road. Introduction of electricity in 1929 did
bring about certain changes in the city. Dadasaheb Phalke of Nasik,
pioneer of Indian cinema produced the first Indian film in 1913. Cinema
theatres became great entertainment centres of the district.
Main economic function continued to be
religious tourism and related trade, the two traditional activities related to Nasik. Brass
& copper utensils and gold & silver ornaments were produced in Nasik but
the production was home-based. The
agricultural production in the district was limited to a few traditional crops
and grape, the fruit for which Nasik was
famous. Despite the renowned quality and variety in types of grapes, the
production was limited in volume and its contribution to economy was
insignificant.
Expansion of Nasik
Population reached 52000 (1941) mainly due
to migration of people to Nasik.
Traditionally migrants always settled on the Right
Bank of River Godavari. They
occupied land tracks on the periphery of the development during the last Peshava period. Traditional Panchavati
area of Nasik
carried out its religious functions quite insulated from new developing areas.
Settlement pattern of this new area
development was based on the British planning principles. Road connecting Nasik to
Mumbai became the new focal point of city with its new imposing stone structures
constructed in neo gothic style, set back from roads and providing tree lined
avenues in the administrative area. The British residential quarters were large
bungalows set in landscaped gardens, located away from office areas. Buildings
for District Court, Collector offices, Police headquarters and large buildings
housing war offices and town hall were part of the administrative complex.
Indian professionals like lawyers, doctors, administrators and neo rich planned
their residential area near this administrative complex. Smart residences in
art deco style, which were popular in Europe,
appeared in the city. British rule introduced formal education and many schools
were constructed. Closely packed buildings, narrow streets and multiple
dwellings dominated the traditional settlement. Bungalows with gardens, set
back from the streets became popular in the new residential developments.
Residents of new settlement were influenced by British education. They were
conscious of Modern City
development. This new class of people was active and influential in political
and social movements of the period. They had close contacts with cities like
Mumbai, Pune and the outside world. This area later became the centre of
political movement and independence struggle. Direction of growth away from the
old city towards Mumbai and Pune is symbolic. The growth of city in this
direction continued even after independence.
With the establishment of the British rule
came the diverse cultural and religious groups of people. The Parsees, The
Christians, and Hindus from cities like Mumbai and Pune contributed to the
growth. Major cultural addition was that of English language through the
introduction of formal education. The Irani (Parsees)
restaurants became attractive new meeting places. Bread and bakery products
introduced by them became very famous. Missionaries constructed churches on the
periphery of the city. A public Garden called Jackson Garden was introduced.
Cultural diversity of migrant population made the city change its basic
attitudes. It contributed by expanding the cultural experiences of people and
making them aware of new ideas, philosophies, languages, cultures and
religions, opening up new opportunities for interactions and change.
Idea of independent democratic India also
was nurtured in this period and environment. Nasik played
a major part during the Independence
movement. It had its share of glorious fights against British Rulers. Violent
events like assassinations as well as peaceful encounters of the period have
proud place in the History of Nasik. During the Struggle for Independence, Nasik and Nasik
Road became famous due to the central Jails
where hundreds of freedom fighters and national leaders including Jawaharlal
Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi were held prisoners.
GROWTH AND DIVERSIFICATION OF NASIK
AFTER 1947
Population
Population of the then Nasik recorded the highest ever growth rate
between 1941-51. Growth rate of 85 % in this decade took the total population
figure to nearly a 100,000. This growth was the result of partition of India. Population growth rate started rising
steadily after 1961 and Nasik recorded more than the average growth
rate for India in two decades, between
1971-91. In 1982 the city limit was expanded and Nasik acquired the status of Metropolitan City with a population of 432,000. Growth
rate of 63 % for the decade 1971-81 continued in the decade 1981-91. In 1997
the population reached the figure of more than 900,000 and is expected to cross
one million before the next century.
People migrating to Nasik are largely residents from
rural areas of the district and other parts of Maharashtra. They come in search of
higher education and better job opportunities. A number
of migrants are industrial workers and employees from other towns who have
migrated with their production units. Migration from other states is relatively
less. In recent years the number of people choosing Nasik as a place to settle after
retirement is growing. A few of the
migrants are people who have returned from other countries after a lifetime
career to settle in Nasik thus re-establishing old links with the country and
their familes. All these people with their knowledge
in diverse fields are contributing to the new emerging cityscape. With
migration, the composition and culture is rapidly changing.
City Boundaries
The growth in population necessitated the expansion of city boundary
from time to time to help provide and extend urban services to the people
occupying the peripheral villages and make more land available for urban
population.
§
In
1881 the then Nasik town area was just 5 sq. miles (13 sq. km.)
§
First
expansion in 1931 took this area to 7.75 sq. miles (20 sq. km.)
§
In
1951 the city boundary expanded to encompass area of 18 sq. miles (47 sq. km)
§
Further
expansion (1982) of city limits covered an area of 110 sq. miles (287.22 sq. km)
§
This increase in the area works out
to 22 times in one hundred years. The population grew 30 times in same period.
Industrialization of Nasik City and
District
Independent India had a grand industrial development agenda. Science,
technology and industrial production was given a priority in the development
strategy. Policy framework devised by Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru was the driving force. Before independence, India had very few industries using modern
technology for producing goods. Colonial rule had restricted industrial growth.
Most of the population (90%) residing in rural India was poor and the pressure on agriculture
was unsustainable. Industrialisation on large scale based on modern technology,
which had brought material wealth in western countries, was seen as a remedy.
Barring a few ports like Calcutta, Madras and Mumbai, modern industrial culture
was totally absent. Government planned large public sector industries for
production of basic goods. Policy of decentralisation of Industrial investment
was promoted for balanced urban growth.
But private capital investments were limited to existing metropolises
and larger towns as the infrastructure for industries was inadequate in other
areas. Central and state Governments devised policies for creating new
industrial growth centres. Results of all these policies are now seen in the
case of cities like Nasik.
Some people of Nasik shared this dream and started working
towards the industrialisation of Nasik. These people were mostly those who had
participated in the freedom struggle. Initiative and efforts of such people
resulted in the Government acceptance of the proposal for an industrial estate
in Nasik. First industrial estate NICE (Nasik
Industrial Co-operative Estate) was formed in the co-operative sector in
1962. In the same year, Maharashtra
State government also responded by declaring MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial
Development Corporation) Industrial Estate at Satpur
village, 7 km from Nasik. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited established unit for
production of MIG fighters at Ozar, a village 20 km
from Nasik. This production facility in public
sector was established in collaboration with the then U.S.S.R in 1964. In 1967
SICOM (State Investment Corporation of Maharashtra) adapted Nasik as its growth centre. All these events
brought Nasik on the industrial map of India.
Forming an industrial estate was one thing and attracting investments
another. NICE had to undertake the arduous task of attracting entrepreneurs.
Local residents, traders and professionals, having no experience in industrial
production were convinced and pursued to put money in new ventures. In 1960 Satpur was a small village without even a post office,
telephone or electricity. Constructing buildings, roads and other
infrastructure proved a Herculean task for the pioneering entrepreneurs. Next
on the agenda of NICE was an effort to attract large private sector investment
preferably with international collaboration. NICE was rewarded in its efforts
when MICO (German multinational) and ABB (Swedish multinational) established
their production units. The industry that came to Nasik was mostly engineering, electrical and
pharmaceutical.
Satpur Industrial Area became fully functional in 1970s
and soon all the plots were taken up by small, medium and large enterprises.
Thermal power plant at Eklahra near Nasik Road greatly contributed to the power demand
of industries. The success of Satpur
MIDC, created demand for additional Industrial plots. In 1980 MIDC
declared second industrial estate at Ambad, a village
located on Mumbai-Nasik road, 10 km from Nasik. All plots in this industrial area are
occupied today. NICE has also developed special plots for Women's co-operative
and a building with small workshops for women entrepreneurs. Special premises
are also donated for the training and production facilities for mentally
handicapped persons. Co-operation and support of industry to various local
welfare institutes has given a boost to many social schemes.
Success of NICE and NIMA (Nasik Industrial Manufacturers Association)
at Satpur and Ambad was
repeated at Sinnar, a small town 22 km from Nasik. A co-operative industrial estate
developed by local initiative in 1982 was followed by formation of MIDC
Industrial area at Sinnar in 1988. This area is in
the process of development. Additional Sinnar area is
being developed as a Mega Industrial estate with state of the art facilities.
Trans-national industrial companies are invited to locate their production
centres here. Global, experienced development agencies are also invited to plan
and execute the project. Residential township will be
developed along with this. Sinnar was once famous for
its Bidies (type of hand rolled tobacco stick). Today
it is planning for the future high tech industries.
Nasik can boast of an industrial region
producing goods from pins to Aeroplanes! Industrialisation has boosted the
spirit of Nasik district. Each Tehsil
(an administrative unit of district) is planned with a mini industrial estate,
including the tehsils where the population is
predominantly Adivasi (tribal and aboriginal). There
are now 12 co-operative industrial areas besides the MIDC estates. The district
is expected to create 100,000 industrial jobs in near future (Refer Table No.
3).
Agricultural Growth
Agriculture and related activities generally do not form a part of
urban economy. It was not considered for growth in case of Nasik. But development and progress have many
surprises. Nasik has been lucky to have this.
Traditionally Nasik had been famous in India for its grapes. Onion was another
agricultural crop. Besides these two cash crops, agricultural production of Nasik was insignificant. Main problems faced
by the farmers were lack of irrigation facilities and limited cultivable land.
The land in Nasik region is mostly barren and rocky. Cultivation was limited to monsoon
season. Though many pulses, oil seeds, grains like wheat, jawar,
bajra and rice were cultivated, the yield was poor.
Agricultural sector did not contribute much to the local economy. Cultivation
of vegetables and fruits was limited. Dairy and poultry were also
underdeveloped till the last few years due to absence of services to the
farming community.
All this has changed significantly in the last 10 years. Investments,
irrigation schemes, electricity, new technologies like drip irrigation, better
seeds and other inputs are contributing to increase in production. Educated and
trained farmers with a business attitude are seeking and creating facilities.
Immense potential has been created for agro-industries through this sector.
Grapes of all varieties for table consumption or for making resins, grape
juice, grape wines are cultivated by farmers on a
small scale as well as by large plantations developed through corporate joint
ventures with French and Australian companies. Due to systematic promotion
efforts and facility creations, farmers are capturing European grape markets.
Cold storages, pre-cooling, packing and processing units are growing in number.
Necessary information is being generated and visits to other potential markets
in Middle East, south-east Asia and Europe are becoming common for farmers. Cultivation of
onion, the traditional cash crop has been expanded for growing export markets.
White onion powder popular in U.S. and Europe is from Nasik and neighbouring Jalgaon
district known as North
Maharashtra
regions.
Strawberry is a new crop becoming popular due to potential export and
growing demand in national market. Large-scale plantations have been undertaken
by French Biotech Ltd. in Dindori Tehsil
of Nasik. Orient Sericulture (Tata
group) has 1000 hectares of mulberry plantation. Traditional Paithani (a kind of rich silk sari produced on handloom)
production has been revived at Yeola and craftsmen
are rewarded by great market response to the products. Traditional paithani design has been adapted by a designer for
Aircraft!
Nasik was once called Gulshanabad
(city of roses). Now Roses from Nasik are exported to middle
east. Floriculture projects have emerged where the exotic varieties
popular in European markets are grown. Nasik is taking advantage of growing local
demand for flowers. There are many such farms, small and medium in size within
the city limits of Nasik. Farms and Farmhouses within city limits
and the surrounding areas make Nasik a unique city.
Interdependence, interaction, participation and mutual support given by
residents, agricultural and industrial producers is an important factor in the
evolution of urban rural relationship. Synergy of agricultural and industrial
sector holds great promises of change in the future of Nasik but they can only be realised through
the growth of service sector. This sector is growing at a much faster rate and
its role in local and national economy is ever increasing in importance.
Service Sector
Business, Trade, Commerce and Financial Sector
Banking, finance, insurance, legal, taxation and accountancy services,
engineering support, trading of raw material and finished goods, packing and
forwarding, warehousing, transport services, security, maintenance and computer
services are needed for the growth and development of industries. This sector
has grown in Nasik in the last 30 years. Nationalised banks have 69 branches in Nasik city while the remaining district has
232 branches. Many other co-operative and private sector banks also operate in
the district. 512 bank branches in the district offer various banking services
which were totally absent at the time of independence.
Regional offices of major financial institutions like MSFC (Maharashtra
State Finance Corporation), SICOM and major banks are located in Nasik. Two major banks have started
specialised branches for hi-tech agro finance. HDFC (A major private sector
housing finance corporation) and SHRICOM housing bank have their branches in Nasik. NAFED (National Agricultural Finance
and Export Division) handles most of the agricultural export.
In order to facilitate and boost growing export from the region,
container freight station has been started by central warehousing corporation
and custom duty clearances have been arranged for in Nasik (earlier this used to be done at Mumbai)
Tourism
Tourism has been a traditional function of the city. Visitors come to
city on auspicious days in large numbers, to have a dip in river Godavari. Godavari is known as a holy river of south India comparable to the Ganges. People assemble in great numbers at Nasik every 12 years. This fair is known as Kumbha Mela. The last Kumbha Mela was held in the year
1992 when about a million people visited Nasik
In normal years tourists visit to perform certain religious rites on
banks of Godavari and at the numerous temples. The arrangements for
their stay are made in the houses of the priests or with the people of common
caste. Lodging places constructed with donations from rich people known as Dharmashalas provide comfortable and affordable
accommodation.
Modern tourist hotels were introduced in the British period. Today
hotel industry is flourishing in Nasik. Tourists come from distant parts of India. Facilities demanded and provided for
are growing at great speed and variety. Tour operators are bringing tourists in
great numbers. They are helped by growth in transport infrastructure.
Beautiful old temples of Shiva at Trimbakeshwar,
Kala Ram at Nasik, and Devi
(Goddess) temple in the hills of Saptashringi attract
a large number of devotees. Modern
temple complexes like Mukti Dham and church at Nasik road have become new attractions for
tourists. Sai Baba temple at Shirdi
in neighbouring district attracts people of all faiths. Industrial expansion
and activities have created a great demand for business hotels. India's leading
chain of Hotels, The Taj, has constructed a smart 70
room well appointed five star hotel having fully equipped modern business
centre with conference rooms, recreational and health facilities and speciality
restaurants in plush landscaped setting.
Motels and Holiday resorts are cropping up around the
peripheral areas serving a large number of travellers and holidaymakers.
Housing Construction
Growing population created demand for housing. CIDCO, (City Development
Corporation) established by Government of Maharashta
to develop the twin-city of Mumbai (New Bombay) started its work for New Nasik
in 1979. Township planned by CIDCO has been located between two industrial
estates of Satpur and Ambad.
This township provides various types of houses and plots for private
development. Total area of approx. 400 Ha. houses 30,000 families besides all other amenities.
Housing construction in private sector is booming and has become a
large business. All types of constructions, such as single family houses,
apartment buildings and small colonies are mushrooming in the city. Old city
residential areas with their typical 'Wada' structures are on
the way to extinction. Land prices have increased steadily. All old residential
areas are becoming increasingly congested and old street pattern and topography
of the city poses challenges. All the same, slums as well as
providing affordable housing in sufficient numbers is a problem.
Nasik is now expanding in all directions along
the main arterial roads. The housing areas and commercial establishments,
shopping, and services like schools, hospitals etc. are in the same zone.
Business activities in the city mostly consist of small establishments
employing not more than 10 persons. The vast service sector employment is
created through such establishments. There are many advantages. Most people go
home for lunch. Two wheelers are very popular and provide cheap transport.
Leisurely pace of the city is in contrast to the lifestyle of Mumbai and has
attracted many from such cities.
Infrastructure
Nasik has been blessed with a number of small
rivers besides river Godavari. A number of dams constructed in the last 50 years
have improved the availability of water. But the delivery system of this vital
resource needs much improvement. Electricity is supplied by the State grid and
is presently sufficient. But demand is growing faster than the supply. Many
industrial establishments are now allowed to generate their own power through
captive plants, which means more power is available to the city.
Nasik could develop to such size and at such
speed due to the advantage of its location vis-à-vis Mumbai. The
distance is 185 km. The present capacity of road and rail links is grossly
inadequate. Traffic has grown phenomenally in last few years. More than 60 % of
trucks and containers travelling on the road have their destination beyond Nasik but have to pass through the city.
Alternative road plans have not yet materialised. Demand for more trains to
Mumbai is also pending. Hence the load on the road transport is great.
Air link to Mumbai is a problem due to lack of civil airport. Air force
and Mig Factory airports are not presently permitted
to be used for civilian purposes. Plan for an airport may be realised in future
if finance is made available.
Telecommunication link is the most vital infrastructure that will
decide the growth of software industry in Nasik. Modern telephone exchanges are
providing new telephone connections. Direct satellite link for data
communication is essential. Telecom department of the Government of India is
planning for efficient and reliable digital connectivity in the near future. Nasik is hoping to take advantage of this and
expecting to attract Information Technology firms.
Development of infrastructure is going to be the most important factor
for the growth and development of Nasik. Large capital investment required in
this sector is a major problem. Most of these services are provided by the
public sector agencies. Recently efforts are being made to seek private sector
participation in improving these services.
Social Sector
The rapid growth of the city has given boost to the social services
like education, health and medicine, social welfare, sports, entertainment,
arts etc.
Higher level education in various streams such as engineering,
computers, management, commerce, medicine, pharmacy, architecture, agriculture
etc. is available in Nasik through various colleges and institutes.
Y. B. Chavan open University
of Maharashtra is located in Nasik. Recently the Government has announced
setting up of Medical University of Maharashtra which will be located in Nasik. Most of these facilities have been
added only in last two decades. Number of doctors, hospitals, health centres is
steadily growing and large number of people from the district
depend on the city for variety of services.
SALIENT AND INTERESTING FACTS AND FEATURES
ABOUT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF NASIK
AFTER 1947
§
Population
growth rate of Nasik has been constantly more than that of Urban India, Maharashtra and nearest metro city of Mumbai between 1971-1991.
Growth rate of Nasik (57 % and 67 %) is highest among top 4 cities of Maharashtra. Mumbai (38 % and 20 %),
Pune (48 % and 47 %), Nagpur (40 % and 27 %), between 1971-81 and
1981-91 respectively.
§
Nasik has grown from a population of 21490 in
1901 to 722139 in 1991. The growth rate between 1901-1991
works out to 3260 % which is higher than most of the top 34 cities! It took
Mumbai 157 years to grow from a base population of 70000 in 1744 to a million
in 1901. Nasik will have achieved this within a short
period of 55 years starting from 1945 in year 2000.
§
Malegaon city of Nasik district was famous for its handlooms
and power looms. It was largest industrial town of the district. In 1971 Malegaon, was having more population (191847)
than Nasik (176090). But in 1991 Nasik population (725000) more than doubled
that of Malegaon (342595).
§
Total
population of Nasik Tehsil in 1991 was 826303 and
urban population was 733224. This means that 88 % population of the Tehsil is urban.
§
Nasik
was seventh largest city in 1947 in Maharashtra after Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Sholapur Ahmadnagar and Amaravati, all
having industrial activities. Now it is fourth. In 1981 Nasik was 47th largest town in India. In 1991 Nasik became 34th largest town in India
§
Nasik is an industrial city but has got 13 %
working population in primary i.e. agricultural sector that is more than any
large city of Maharashtra. Nasik has got second highest working
population in service sector (27 %) next to Aurangabad (31 %). Hence Nasik is listed in" Industrial cum
service" category as per the definition of functional categories of Census
of 1991 (Refer Table No. 6).
§
Growth
of Nasik has given boost to the growth of other
towns in the district which are closer to Nasik like Sinnar on
Nasik Pune road, Igatpuri and Ghoti
on Nasik Mumbai road and Ozar on Nasik Agra road. All
are within the distance of 40 km. Urban growth of Nasik district is getting
concentrated in the southern part of the district and almost 62 % urban
population is concentrated in 4 town of Nasik, Igatpuri,
Sinnar and Ozar, all the tehsils contiguous to Nasik Tehsil.
§
Industrial
activities of Nasik city and district have grown dramatically. In 1971 there were 394
industries in the district with total employment of 19672. Most of the
employment in private sector was in home based production. About 7000 persons
were engaged in Bidi making (Rolling of Tobacco in
leaves). In 1997 there are 7896 small-scale industries and 174 large and medium
industries providing total employment to about 66000 workers. Small-scale
industries provide employment to about 32500 persons. Large no of industries
are of engineering units, followed by electrical, electronics, Plastic moulding
and agro-based industries. The Industrial sector is not dominated and dependent
on one or two large-scale plants. The Industrial sector is much more
diversified and independent. Public sector employment in establishments like
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (7800), Currency note press (5000), India security press (6000) is significant.
The role of industry in greening of the area has to be acknowledged. Once
barren and dry landscape of the areas surrounding the city is provided with
green cover by conscious efforts of the industrial community.
§
Development
plan of Nasik
City has 2100 ha. area
allotted for Industrial use which is 14.09 % of developed area and just 7.31 %
of gross town area. While 44.14 % of gross town area is in no Development Zone.
This is the zone in which agricultural farms are located. The Industries are
located in exclusively planned areas and their growth is regulated through
Development control regulations. The Industrial estates are planned with
environmental concern and common effluent treatment plants are planned for them
( Refer Table No. 2).
§
There
are strong links between growth and Human development. Growth and
Diversification of economic activities of Nasik city has demanded growth of skilled and
trained manpower. The nature of industries and service sector in Nasik is primarily based on such human skills.
The demand today is largely met by the facilities created in last two decades.
Literacy rates, women's participation in education and work force, are
indicators.
§
At
the beginning of twentieth century this orthodox Hindu pilgrimage centre was
rocked by the conversion of cast Hindus to Christianity. It was also a great
event when The Famous Kala Ram Temple of Nasik was
forcibly entered by the then untouchables under the leadership of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1922). Today the religious image and role of religion in Nasik is limited though important. Secular image
of Nasik is the result as well as the cause of
successful transformation of Nasik.
§
Historically
Nasik was never a capital city of any kingdom,
was never a rich business town, neither a rich agricultural bazar
town or had industrial establishments like sugar factories, textile. It does
not have powerful political lobby. It is a people's town and was once known as
a town for common people 'Janasthan'. Today residents
of Nasik proudly remember this name
SOME REFLECTIONS ON NASIK
CITYSCAPE
§
In
1982 physical boundaries of Nasik encompassed 22 time
more area than that in the year 1881. The city space today is dominated by the new city developments. The quality of new
cityscape definitely needs the touch of creative artistic hands. Physical plans
of Nasik City were developed through the government
town planning department and other planning authorities like MIDC and CIDCO. No
leading Architect or planner has been involved in its inception. One can
witness the functional quality of the land use but there is total absence of planners aesthetic vision of a city. Today Nasik is economically rich but lacks the
aesthetic quality found in its development of Maratha rule or later British
rule.
§
Old
parts of Nasik including the administrative and
residential areas developed during British period and some of the developed
areas witness the typical overcrowding of Indian cities. Narrow streets of old
residential areas are far too inadequate for the commercial use they are
converted to and the vehicular traffic is choking them. Small vendors, hand carts, animals, cycles,
scooters and pedestrians are engaged in constant battles over space. Public
transport systems are grossly neglected and are inadequate. Most of the people prefer scooters and motor
cycles for obvious reasons even though the safety is at stakes. But it provides
the cheapest mode of transport. It also helps the flexible work schedules of
working persons and the lifestyles of people.
§
The
development of new commercial buildings, restaurants, hotels, shopping centres
try to go beyond stark aesthetics to attract attention but they lack
authenticity and aesthetic values. Few efforts of architects can be termed
partially successful and one of them is the new building of the Nasik Municipal
Corporation. It is an apt symbol of the success and aspirations of transformed Nasik.
§
Nasik has large service sector employment and
it is headquarter of the North Maharashtra region comprising of four districts. It has presence of large number
of banks, financial and insurance companies, marketing offices of many
organisations, private sector organisations besides government and
administrative offices. But it has no central business district as is common to
many towns and the offices are spread throughout the city, merging with residential
and industrial spaces or located along the main transport corridors.
Life style of people is also not dominated by the clock. Flexible
working hours, part time work schedules, Home based work places and home based
income generation activities are quite common. Most of the people do not travel
long distances to work ( Nasik area is roughly 20 x 14 km) and tensions
of large metropolises are quite absent.
§
Slum
population and areas are not absent in the city but the population and areas
are limited.
§
That
Nasik has many attributes of modern urban town
with many advantages and choices of life styles is a common perception. That is
the reason a large number of people are attracted to Nasik in last few years. Nasik can be termed as a successful example of
growth with development and diversification including agricultural activities
integrated in the city. It is an example that vindicates the policies adapted
by India for industrialisation and decentralisation with
public and private sector participation.
URBANISATION TRENDS : NASIK, MAHARASHTRA AND
INDIA
§
Growth and development of Nasik is significant for understanding the
process and trends of urban growth in India. Nasik has grown much faster than in the last
two decades when urban growth rate in Maharashtra and India are declining. That decline in growth
rate of Mumbai in this period is significantly low can be seen from the graph.
§
Urban
centres in India are growing in numbers. There are about 3700 urban centres of which
555 are growing faster than the national average urban growth rate. Of these 30
are in Maharashtra. Pune is the
only city in Maharashtra beside New Delhi and Bangalore with population more than 1
million growing faster than the average.
§
Most
of the fast growing urban centres are the ones which had less than 500000 population in 1981. Nasik falls in this catagory.
From the facts it can be inferred that the rapid growth of urbanisation
and its concentration in large metros after Independence is arrested and urbanisation is more
decentralised than ever before. Reasons for this reversal have great bearing on
the future course of urbanisation in India.
§
Position
of Maharashtra as the most Industrialised and urbanised
state of India is now challenged and many states are
competing for larger share of both. States like Gujarat, Tamilnadu,
Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh through their
systematic efforts are developing
rapidly.
§
Within
Maharashtra there has emerged great competition
among cities for attracting Industrial investment. Governments also offer large
incentives to Industries for location in rural areas. Industries are also
helped by new communication technologies, growing transport facilities, and
other infrastructure development like power and water.
§
It
is unlikely that growth of Nasik will continue at the same rate as it
nears the figure of one million population. The reason
is that many other growth centres are offering advantages of infrastructures,
location near working population, near raw material and location of
consumption. Recent completion of Konkan railway along the coast of Maharashtra is opening up many new areas for
development and its impact will be much greater for the future course of
development in Maharashtra than any other single factor.
§
This
process of rapid development of few urban centres in early periods of
industrialisation based on modern manufacturing processes and decentralisation
and dispersal of growth in later period is not a unique phenomenon in India but is an
ubiquitous process observed in most developed countries. What is significant in
India is that the process of centralisation
and decentralisation is compressed in a shorter period.
FUTURE OF URBANISATION IN GLOBALIZATION ERA
GLOBALISATION in simple terms is explained as creation of Global village.
This concept is the product of new technological revolution in fields of
Electronics, computers and speedy communication through satellite technology.
All these are supporting the dispersal of all the human activities, most
important being the economic, social and political activities. They are
changing the methods of production of goods, their movements across the
locations within the countries and the world. Concentration of goods production
in urban centres mostly near the port towns, separation of rural agricultural
production and industrial production of cities, irrational and wasteful
movement of raw materials, finished goods, agricultural products at great
environmental costs were products of three centuries of Industrial revolution.
But systemic nature of all the human interactions are becoming clear with the
result that all countries of the world are becoming interdependent in this era
of globalization. Globalisation will have many new opportunities for countries
like India.
All sectors of economy, especially Agriculture can benefit from new
technologies, knowledge intensive management, processing, preservation,
marketing and environmentally friendly techniques, better infrastructure
accessibility, and services like finance, crop insurance. Increasing
productivity, multiple crops, and agriculture based local industrial facilities
will affect the employment potential of rural areas. In countries like India large population can continue to be
supported on agriculture with better economic returns. The need for migration
of rural poor to urban areas will be greatly reduced.
Industrial production will be geographically dispersed across the
country and the old equation of Industry and growth will change. Trend of
diminishing employment in industrial sector of large metropolises has already
started which will be further strengthened. Industrial investment was seen as
the vehicle of development in past. Today investment in infrastructure is
directing the growth. The direction is away from large metro centres.
Large cities will not vanish immediately but their economic position
will be challenged. Service sector employment as witnessed in developed
countries will be dominant sector of large metropolises in India. Service sector will also grow faster in
small and medium towns and pressure on metropolises will be greatly relieved.
Concept of a city as such will still have large attraction but the
scale and form will undergo dramatic change. Environmentally this trend is a
positive trend and will be beneficial in the final analysis.
CONCLUSION
Study of growth, diversification and transformation of Nasik reveals a trend that challenges common
notions of the urbanisation process in India. The developments of last two decades
show a totally different trend from that observed in three decades before. The
focus of urban development in India needs to be shifted from experiences of
large metropolises of Calcutta, Mumbai and Chennai that had emerged and
flourished during the period when trade, commerce and early industrialisation
directed the process of urbanisation. Dispersal and diversification of urban
growth observed in last two decades vindicate the policy adapted by India after independence for a more balanced
economic and physical growth. That this trend is likely to be strengthened in
near future and will be assisted by new technologies can be seen from the case
study of Nasik. Globalisation is a process that has
potential to support and speed up this trend of "counter
Urbanisation" as suggested by Peter Hall. Arguments, projections and
models based on the urbanisation trends observed in the early industrialisation
period will prove grossly inadequate, redundant and futile like the forecasts
based on future population growth in India made 5,10,15 years ago. How these projections
made by United Nations Population Division for Calcutta and Mumbai have proved totally wrong.
(Table no. 7)
It is essential to analyse the failures of these projections and
reasons behind them.
Aim of all developmental issues including that of urbanisation is to
provide basic services to all, to reduce poverty and control the degradation of
the life and the environment. Transformation of Nasik in last fifty years has been successful
in this direction. It has many positive and healthy aspects about it which need
to be strengthened further. Globalisation provides one such opportunity.
Table No. 1 : SECTORWISE WORKING POPULATION OF NASIK CITY
IN YEAR 1981 &
1991
|
Sr.no
|
Occupation
|
YEAR
1981
|
YEAR
1991
|
PERCENT
1981
|
PERCENT
1991
|
|
1.
|
Cultivators
|
9872
|
13043
|
7.68
|
5.77
|
|
2.
|
Agri.
labourer
|
9764
|
11840
|
7.61
|
5.23
|
|
3.
|
Primary sector
|
19656
|
24883
|
15.39
|
11.00
|
|
4.
|
Household industry mfg.,processing repairs,services
|
3963
|
65804
|
3.08
|
29.12
|
|
5.
|
Tertiary sector
|
104875
|
135286
|
81.63
|
59.98
|
|
6.
|
Total workers
|
128494
|
225973
|
29.74
|
31.15
|
|
7.
|
Total non workers
|
303554
|
499368
|
70.26
|
68.84
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
432044
|
725341
|
100
|
100
|
Table No. 2 : LAND USE
DISTRIBUTION IN NASIK CITY
LAND USE
|
AREA IN HA.
|
% OF DEVELOPED AREA
|
% OF TOTAL AREA
|
Residential
|
7500
|
50.34
|
26.11
|
Commercial
|
363.68
|
2.44
|
1.27
|
Industrial
|
2100
|
14.09
|
7.31
|
Public/ semi public
|
728.10
|
4.84
|
2.53
|
Transport
and communication
|
2265.31
|
15.20
|
7.89
|
Garden /recreation
|
428.42
|
2.88
|
1.49
|
Public utilities
|
172.46
|
1.16
|
0.60
|
CIDCO
|
398
|
2.67
|
1.39
|
Military
|
943.7
|
6.33
|
3.29
|
Water bodies
|
1067.18
|
|
3.71
|
No
development zone
|
12755
|
|
44.41
|
Total
|
28721.85
|
|
100
|
Table No. 3 : M.I.D.C and other
Industrial areas in Nasik
district
|
Sr. no.
|
Name and
location
|
Area in Ha.
|
Establishment
year
|
|
1.
|
Satpur M.I.D.C, Nasik
|
636.98
|
1962
|
|
2.
|
NICE ( Nasik Co-Op Ind.Estate)
|
135
|
1962
|
|
3.
|
Ambad, Nasik
|
519.55
|
1880
|
|
4.
|
Malegaon co-op. Ind. area, Sinnar
|
24
|
1982
|
|
5.
|
Sinnar M.I.D.C.
|
520
|
1988
|
|
6.
|
5 Star Ind. Estate, Sinnar
|
7047.01
|
1992
|
|
7.
|
Mini M.I.D.C., Peth
|
5.46
|
1992
|
|
8.
|
Mini M.I.D.C., Dindori
|
32.22
|
1992
|
|
9.
|
Mini M.I.D.C., Vindchur
|
18.91
|
1992
|
|
10.
|
Co-Op. Ind. At Yeola
|
7.88
|
Info.
unavailable
|
|
11.
|
Co-Op. Ind. At Igatpuri
|
17.5
|
Info.
unavailable
|
|
12.
|
Co-Op. Ind. At Chandwad
|
55
|
Info.
unavailable
|
|
13.
|
Kalwan
|
35
|
Info.
unavailable
|
|
14.
|
Manmad
|
357
|
Info.
unavailable
|
|
15.
|
Satana
|
82
|
Info.
unavailable
|
|
16.
|
Malegaon
|
190
|
Info. unavailable
|
17.
|
Sinnar co-op.Ind.area
|
374
|
Info.
unavailable
|
18.
|
Pimpalgaon
|
37.2
|
1992
|
Table No. 5 : GROWTH TRENDS OF 5 DECADES AFTER
INDEPENDENCE
FOR ALL INDIA,
MAHARASHTRA
STATE,
MUMBAI AND NASIK
|
Census year
|
All India
|
Variation %
|
Maharashtra
|
Variation %
|
Mumbai
|
Variation %
|
Nasik
|
Variation %
|
|
1951
|
62444000
|
41.43
|
9201000
|
|
2967000
|
|
148573
|
|
|
1961
|
78937000
|
26.43
|
11163000
|
17.57
|
4152000
|
39.93
|
200814
|
35.16
|
|
1971
|
109114000
|
38.21
|
15711000
|
40.74
|
5971000
|
43.81
|
274482
|
36.68
|
|
1981
|
159727000
|
46.38
|
21994000
|
39.99
|
8243000
|
38.05
|
432044
|
57.40
|
|
1991
|
218000000
|
36.48
|
30540000
|
38.85
|
9926000
|
20.41
|
725341
|
67.65
|
