In a concerted effort to combat the recurring problem of flooding in Nagpur city, the Maharashtra government has given the green light to an integrated drainage plan with a budget of Rs 266.63 crore. This comprehensive strategy encompasses various measures, including the reinforcement of Ambazari lake and the restoration of rivers, bridges, and roads damaged during the flash floods on September 22 of this year.
On November 4, Nagpur witnessed a joint press conference featuring Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Roads, Transport, and Highways Nitin Gadkari, as reported by the Indian Express. It’s worth noting that both Fadnavis and Gadkari hail from Nagpur, with Fadnavis representing the Nagpur South West Assembly constituency and Gadkari serving as the elected representative for the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency.The unprecedented 112 mm of rainfall in just four hours that occurred in September prompted technical experts to recommend the development of a comprehensive plan, which is currently in the works, according to Fadnavis.
As part of this initiative, an effluent and sewage treatment plant is set to be established in Wadi to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into Ambazari lake. The reinforcement of Ambazari lake comes with a price tag of Rs 32.42 crore, while the repair and reconstruction of rivers, nullahs, roads, and bridges damaged during the flash floods will amount to Rs 234.21 crore. A significant aspect of the plan is the deepening and redesign of a five-kilometer section of the Nag River, aiming to restore its original width, which has gradually diminished over the years. Gadkari revealed that a Nag River project, valued at Rs 2,400 crore and under consideration by the Japanese company JICA, was already in progress.