At Futala lake, priority to what? ‘Development’ or cleanliness?

Summer 2019 was very difficult for civic authorities to manage supply of water to Nagpurians. It has compelled Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to take a decision of rejuvenating lakes in the city to increase ground water level. NMC has decided to start the process. To their fortune, rain came as blessings and the need of water was fulfilled. The authorities heaved a sigh of relief and went into their comfort zone. People too started playing their role---throwing garbage in the beautiful Futala lake. The lake is being developed with a plan of viewer’s gallery, recreation activities, fountain in its middle.

But there is utter negligence towards the dirt. People throw garbage into the lake as if it is a dumping ground. To whom priority should be given? Development or cleanliness. If one visits Futala lake, one would find the young generation spending time on the lake bank. Most of them come as group or individuals. They spend time at the lake and before leaving, throw garbage and left over in the water. Nagpur gets potable water from Ambazari and Gorewada lakes.

Mainly water from Pench gets stored in Gorewada from where it is distributed to the people. Water in other lakes can not be used for drinking purposes. But they can add to the beauty of the city plus can be helpful for maintaining the ground water level. They also benefit in keeping alive the flora and fauna. With this view NMC has taken up the project of lake rejuvenation. Civic authorities failed in its duty to keep this most beautiful lake clean. Of course more blame is to be put on people who throw garbage without taking much care of the lake.

It is very difficult for the Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to monitor and punish people when they throw garbage in the lake. Everybody tried to convert the lake into the chowpaty, leaders tried to give it a form of beauty spot so several establishments are brought with a view that would act as recreation club. Nagpur Improvement Trust brought series of eating joints on its bank but later on another project compel the authority to demolish these joints. Though Abhijit Bangar, Municipal Commissioner took strong step and removed the encroachment of a former Corporator who was running a lawn on the lake itself, the lawn is still functioning.

The garbage of this lawn, leftover still is thrown into the water. Nobody is allowed to run any such commercial activity at the bank of any waterbody unless civic body gives consent. There are several challenges civic body is expected to face. The lake wall on the side of the road that goes towards Vayusena Nagar has collapsed and remained unattended. Overflow of the lake lies on the North-East side. Unfortunately huge garbage is visible on this side. Scorching heat of this summer has made this lake suffer as some parts of the lake have gone dry.

Though the lake has long catchment area, it has become barren as no tree cover remained there leading to soil erosion, a major concern. Disturbed catchment with many activities there have resulted in dropping the water levels. The siltation at several places is being observed by the environmentalists. Second problem this lake faces is of religious activities like emersion of idols are very much rampant. The ecology in the lake also needs to be taken care of. Now Government is planning to construct Fountain inside the lake. Some people say it would affect the ecology inside the waterbody.