Nagpur: In September 2023, torrential rains caused Ambazari Lake to overflow, leading to flooding in nearby areas. Ten months later, the lake is once again nearing its overflow capacity. The lake’s overflow level is 317 meters, and as of the 24th, the water level has reached 316.18 meters. With continued rainfall or additional precipitation in the lake’s catchment area, water levels could rise further. Similarly, Gorewada Lake in the city has also reached near-full capacity, with an overflow level of 317 meters and current water levels at 313.38 meters as of Wednesday.
Last year, the overflow from Ambazari Lake did not drain properly due to obstructions in the Nag River, causing flooding in adjacent areas and other parts of the city. The heavy rains on July 20 this year brought back memories of that flood. To prevent Ambazari Lake from overflowing, 150,000 liters of water are being released daily. Despite these measures, the water level continues to rise. Construction of a bridge near the spillway is ongoing, and if the lake overflows, this construction could obstruct water flow, causing concern among residents in Ambazari Layout and nearby areas.
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Friday 31 Jan. 2025
Government Measures
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has removed obstructions from the Nag River flowing through Crazy Castle, but it is not prepared to remove the memorial, a major obstruction in the water flow. After the September 2023 flood, the municipal corporation promised immediate measures to prevent a recurrence. However, nine months later, bridge widening work has only just begun and will take several more months to complete. Promised measures to widen the riverbed have not been fulfilled. Instead of focusing on water extraction from the lake, the administration needs to prioritize flood prevention measures, as expressed by Gajanan Deshpande, a resident of flood-affected Ambazari Layout.
Flooded Neighborhoods
The previous year’s flood caused damage worth crores of rupees, with the government providing minimal assistance, leading to dissatisfaction among residents. Many rejected the aid of only ten thousand rupees after suffering losses worth lakhs. Now, with the lake filling up again, residents are fearful. The visible lack of implemented measures by the municipal corporation has added to their frustration.
High-Level Committee Oversight
The state government, under the direction of the High Court, has formed a high-level committee chaired by the Divisional Commissioner to oversee the strengthening of Ambazari Lake. Despite the committee’s oversight, many projects remain incomplete.
