Nag River Front Development project, a non-starter even after eight months
| Date :22-Aug-2019 |
Dealing with the localities on the banks of Nag river almost touching it is the difficult task being faced by the civic authorities. (Pic by Anil Futane)
By Vikas Vaidya:
State is likely to approve DPR of Pollution Abatement this week
The second part of the Nag River rejuvenation plan--Nag River Front Development project has remained a non-starter after the passage of eight months when it was allotted to one US-based company, the reasons best known to authorities. Nag River project actually started in the year 1999 when Ecocity Foundation formed by Pradyumna Sahastrabhojani and Shyam Pandharipande did some work. It has traveled a long distance since then, of course, only on paper. Then the thought to beautification was not given. Now the project is divided in two parts. One is Nag River Pollution Abatement Programme that is being funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Another project that has emerged now is Nag River Front Development Programme being funded by French Development Corporation. The DPR for Nag River Pollution Abatement Programme was prepared by Nagpur Municipal Corporation and submitted it to State as well as Central Government. If State gives approval, it will be sent to Central Government which would in turn forward it to JICA. State is likely to give approval to the DPR this week. Abhijeet Bangar, Municipal Commissioner is himself following it. Second project is of River front development, the global tender of which was floated nine months ago and a consortium including a US-based company became the successful bidder.
The consortia of organisations including social and technical were the bidders. This project is being funded by French Development Corporation. Since the allotment the project did not move by an inch. The major obstacle in the project is of slums. As per river rules the area of 15 meters need to be left on the both sides. If one has a look at the Nag river spread across city, there are 29 slums on its bank. Shifting those slums is a biggest task in River front programme.
There are other commercial structures on its bank and dealing with that particular component is a major challenge for NMC. According to NMC, it would shift people on the open lands owned by it. But it is not a practical solution. NMC argues, it has not taking this project right now. It would first focus on pollution abatement. Whatever be the reason but river front project at this juncture has not begun.
Treated water to be given to MahaGenco, NTPC
As per water policy NMC must give the water first to people. Instead it has already signed an agreement according to which in first phase it would give 130 MLD water to Mahagenco, in second phase 190 MLD while National Thermal Power Corporation will get 150 MLD. When asked about it Abhijeet Bangar, Municipal Commissioner told ‘The Hitavada’, “These companies at present are using potable water for the power generation as they don’t have any option. Since we will give them treated water for their consumption, it will help in saving that much potable water.”