From Nasardi to Nandini: The Citizen’s Quest to Reclaim a River

In the bustling city of Nashik, a quiet revolution is flowing through the veins of the city. For decades, the Nandini River—a vital tributary of the Godavari—has been subjected to neglect, pollution, and an identity crisis that reduced it to a mere sewage drain locally known as “Nasardi.”

But a passionate citizen-led initiative titled “Chala Januya Nandini Nadila” (Let’s Know the Nandini River) is fighting to change that narrative. This blog explores how a group of determined citizens, armed with indigenous knowledge and civic pride, are turning the tide.

The Crisis: How a River Became a Drain

Historically, the Nandini was a lifeline for Nashik. As highlighted in historical records, residents in the pre-independence era actually drank water from this river. Originating from the Anjaneri range (Santosha hill), it was once a pristine source of water.

However, rapid urbanization took its toll. Over time, the river was renamed in popular culture to “Nasardi”—a derogatory label often associated with a dirty nala (drain) rather than a flowing river. By 2012, surveys deemed it the “dirtiest river in Nashik,” choked with sewage, debris, and plastic.

The Initiative: “Chala Januya Nandini Nadila”

The “Chala Januya Nandini Nadila” campaign is not just a cleanup drive; it is a movement to reconnect the people with their environment. It operates on a unique philosophy that goes beyond surface-level cleaning.

Key Strategies:

• Catchment-Specific Work: Instead of only focusing on the river channel (where the water flows), the team works on the entire catchment area, addressing the root causes of pollution upstream.
• Indigenous Knowledge: The initiative documents the lived experiences of locals—the elders who remember the river’s glory days—integrating their wisdom with modern scientific approaches.
• Behavioral Change: Through offline and online awareness campaigns, the team aims to change how people see the river. If you see a drain, you dump trash; if you see a river, you protect it.

Impact on the Ground

The slides from the initiative reveal powerful “Before and After” visuals that speak volumes about their success.

• Transformation of Neglected Areas: Places that were once garbage dumping grounds have been cleared. The initiative has pushed the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to prioritize flood mitigation and waste management in these previously ignored zones.
• Green Cover: Extensive riverside plantations have been undertaken using native trees and grasses. These aren’t just “plant and forget” events; they involve tree guards, bamboo scaffolding, and ongoing monitoring by local kids and residents.
• Institutional Change: Perhaps the biggest win is the shift in government attitude. The NMC has appointed a Nodal Officer for the river and started monthly update meetings. Projects like “Nandini Park” and “Kalakar Katta” have been initiated by the corporation.

The Fight for Identity

A core demand of the movement is the restoration of dignity. The group is actively advocating for the name “Nasardi” to be officially replaced with “Nandini” in all government documents.

This is more than semantics. As noted by the campaigners, restoring the name is the first step in restoring the river’s sanctity in the minds of the public.

Citizen Demands

The initiative has placed four clear demands before the authorities to ensure long-term sustainability:

1. Official Name Change: Replace “Nasardi” with “Nandini” in all records.
2. Tech Support: Update the NMC E-Connect app immediately to better handle river-related grievances.
3. Surveillance: Install CCTVs on riverbanks to identify and fine those dumping garbage.
4. Single Window System: Create a streamlined facility for citizens to collaborate with the “Chala Januya Nadila” project without bureaucratic hurdles.

Get Involved

The rejuvenation of the Nandini River is a testament to what happens when citizens stop waiting for change and start being the change. From youth groups like “Nashik Ploggers” to local art groups, the community is rallying to protect their water.

To join the movement or learn more, you can reach out to the initiative coordinators:

• Contact: Roshan Kedar
• Phone: 7709845504
• Email: rosblog3@gmail.com

Let’s stop calling it a drain. Let’s know, respect, and revive the Nandini.