Ambazari Lake
Nagpur: The ongoing efforts to strengthen Ambazari Lake are on track for completion by August 7, according to a recent update provided by Pranjali Tongse, Executive Engineer – Irrigation Department, Nagpur. Tongse submitted an affidavit in the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, which acknowledged the progress and scheduled the next hearing for March 13.
The hearing took place before Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Abhay Mantri. The first phase of priority works aimed at fortifying Ambazari Lake was successfully concluded in March 2023. Subsequently, on February 8, 2024, an executive order was issued for commencement of the second phase. In response to the High Court’s directive, the Irrigation Department has assured in its affidavit that the ongoing works will be finalised by August 7.
The urgency in fortifying Ambazari Lake stems from the adverse events of September2023 when heavy rains led to water seepage into various nearby settlements and caused financial losses to the residents. In response to the concerns raised by the citizens and the incident in September last year, the State Urban Development Department has taken proactive steps. A high-level committee, chaired by a senior official, has been formed to ensure the safety of Ambazari Dam, streamline the Nag River, and address encroachments along its banks.
Wenesday Rate
Friday 27 Dec. 2024
The formation of this committee is a direct result of a stern action from the High Court. Vidya Hampayya, Deputy Secretary of the Urban Development Department, had revealed that the Government’s decision to form the committee was a response to the Court’s directive. State Urban Development Department aims to not only fortify the dam but also address broader issues related to water management and encroachments. The committee’s mandate includes developing strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future and safeguarding the interests of the local populace.
The legal actions and interventions in this matter were initiated through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by residents of the Ambazari area. The petitioners include Ramgopal Bachuka, Jayashree Bansod, Natthuji Tikkha and others, each representing various demands and concerns.
Adv Tushar Mandlekar represented the petitioners, while Adv Deepak Thakre represented the State. The next hearing is scheduled for March 13.
Affidavit mere an eyewash: Residents
Residents of Ambazari area have raised objections to the affidavit and dismissed it as mere eyewash. According to the affidavit, authorities plan to construct four spillway gates which will result in complete emptying of the entire dam. This proposed action has sparked fears of a major disruption to the ecology of the lake.
In the previous order, authorities were instructed to remove Swami Vivekananda’s statue, reconstruct the bridge to a larger size, and widen the canal. However, the affidavit fails to outline a concrete plan for removal of the statue from its current location. Instead, it suggests that a comprehensive study could be initiated with assistance of the Central Water and Power Research Station in Pune to assess feasibility of relocating the statue after completion of strengthening work.
