Yashwant Mandai, one of Nashik city’s most iconic and oldest commercial landmarks, is now partially collapsed as demolition work has officially begun.
Located in the heart of Raviwar Karanja, the site has long been a symbol of Nashik’s commercial and social heritage.
I visited the site today and captured the current condition of the building. What was once a four-storey bustling market now lies in ruins, surrounded by debris, caution tape, and demolition crews working under strict supervision.
A Brief History of Yashwant Mandai
The foundation stone of the building was laid in 1965 by then Defence Minister and Nashik MP Yashwantrao Chavan.
Completed in 1968, the structure was built by the Nashik Municipal Council and served as a central hub for over 50 years, housing various businesses and traders offices.
Why It’s Being Demolished
Structural safety concerns surrounding the building were first raised in 2016, and a recent 2023 audit by a local engineering college confirmed that the building was no longer safe for public use.
Despite legal pushback from tenants, the Bombay High Court cleared the path for demolition in February 2024.
What Comes Next?
According to NMC officials, the demolition is being carried out manually due to the dense commercial zone surrounding it.
The project is expected to take about a month, with plans underway to develop a multi-storey commercial complex or a parking facility in its place.
Locals have expressed mixed reactions – some nostalgic for the bustling market of the past, others welcoming the much-needed urban redevelopment.
Location
Yashwant Mandai, Raviwar Karanja, Old Nashik
As Ramkund, Panchavati, Godavari river, and the Main Road market are located nearby, this place remains one of the most visited cultural and commercial centers in the city.
Thoughts
Visiting the site, I witnessed firsthand the careful demolition work underway and spoke with several locals who shared their memories and hopes.
While the sight of the partially collapsed building evokes nostalgia, the community’s spirit remains hopeful.
Many expressed optimism that the redevelopment will bring much-needed modern amenities to the area, blending Nashik’s rich cultural heritage with the promise of a vibrant future.
It’s clear this transformation marks both an end and a hopeful new beginning for the city.
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