Nagpur: Additional Municipal Commissioner Anchal Goyal took stock of ongoing work of widening and deepening of Nag River. Accompanied by officials of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Goyal reviewed the progress achieved so far as work has got delayed and now only a month is left to wrap it up before monsoon starts.
Goyal inspected the stretch from Krazy Castle till NIT’s Skating Rink at Daga Layout where authorities have planned to widen the width of the river to 17 meters. The visit was also important as it was reported that after demolition of the illegal parking slab adjoining the rink, the debris was still lying in the river. Hence, Goyal herself took a first hand view of the spot and instructed officials to expedite the work so that a repeat of flash floods of September 23, 2023, is avoided.
As per the directives of the Irrigation Department, the NMC has started an annual cleaning drive of the three rivers that flow through the city. Particularly, Nag River has the longest and widest basin and hence it is of particular importance for the civic body. The idea behind widening is to ensure that in case of very heavy rainfall, the water carrying of the river is enough to accommodate the extra flow. Also the plan is to deepen the basin of the river to increase its holding capacity and avoid flooding of residential localities on its banks.
Prakash Varade, Assistant Commissioner, Dharampeth Zone; Vijay Gurabaxani, Executive Engineer, PWD, Dharampeth Zone; Deputy Engineers Manohar Rathod and Mokade briefed Goyal about the work done so far and the future plans. She was informed that the Public Works Department (PWD) will undertake work to increase the height of the bridge near Ambazari T-point to ensure smooth flow of water in the aftermath of overflowing the lake. Also, Maha Metro is going to work at Krazy Kastle to widen the width of Nag river.
As the water from lake overflows below the bridge, it moves into Krazy Castle where its flow was directed to tap the water for usage in the water park and it was flagged as one of the reasons for swelling of excess water in the aftermath of the September 23 deluge. Another point where the river width is going to be widened is behind the Ambazari Ghat for which funds have been sanctioned by the District Planning Development Committee (DPDC).
Goyal was briefed about the three works, their current status and timeline of execution. Even as work is on, there are still apprehensions among citizens, especially those residing in areas near Ambazari Lake as they are not satisfied with the ongoing speed of the execution of works. NMC said the work on widening and deepening has started from February 1 and will be completed by June 15.
