Futala beautification project unscientific, may destroy the lake, say environmentalists

Nagpur: Years ago, when Nagpur was not bursting at its seams, the city had a lot of greenery, which conserved its biodiversity. The past rulers of the city had built nine lakes that not only added to the beauty of the city but were also hotspots for biodiversity. The present ‘rulers’ want to make Nagpur an international city but are, perhaps, ignorant of the fact that such cities highly value their green spaces and water bodies.
Of the Nagpur’s nine lakes, six are as good as gone. Only three — Gorewada, Ambazari and Futala — remain. Gorewada is not under threat as it the source of water supply to the city but politicians seem hell bent on finishing off the remaining two under the guise of beautifying them.

Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis want to turn Futala into the biggest hangout spot of the city. However, according to environmentalists, it is an unscientific project, which along with other developments will sound the death knell for the lake.

The biggest threat to Futala is the government proposal to construct a farmers’ convention centre on the land belonging to Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) in Dabha. This is the catchment area of Futala lake and any construction in it will reduce the inflow of water into it.

Environmentalist Shrikant Deshpande is also against the construction of amphitheatre on the banks of the lake. “I have no problems with the musical fountain but the sitting area should be a green one. People should watch the show from lawns as people watch cricket matches in Australia and South Africa. Land is available on south bank of the lake for this,” he told TOI.

Deshpande further said that over Rs100 crore is being spent on the lake but not a single step is being taken to conserve it. “What above desilting the lake? Why not stop idol immersion? What about preventing soil erosion? How to purify the water of the lake and to increase its storage? How not to damage habitat of water birds?” he said.

The environmentalist pointed out that a part of the lake had been encroached upon but government was showing no interest in removing it. “Same is the case with encroachment on PDKV land in Kachipura. It is reserved for a farmers’ convention centre. However, instead of razing the illegal buildings, government is eyeing the Dabha land,” said Deshpande.

The Futala beautification project will also destroy the environment around the lake. “Government will close the road on banks of Futala for constructing the amphitheatre. It has, therefore, decided to construct a 18-metre wide road from Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) office to Bharat Nagar Square. The road from Telangkhedi Hanuman Temple to MLA Hostel Square passing through MJP office and CP & Berar School will also be widened.

“For ensuring smooth flow of traffic for just one year hundreds of trees will be chopped off and the green spaces will be permanently affected. What sort of development is this,” said the environmentalist.

Jaideep Das, honorary wildlife warden of Nagpur district, is shocked at the plan to build a road through PDKV land. “I am not against development but causing massive ecological damage for a temporary measure is foolish. The big cities of India did not conserve their environment and now residents are paying the price. Do we want the same to happen in Nagpur?” he said.

Bird watcher Dr Anil Pimplapure said that ecology of Futala had already been partially destroyed and the beautification project and road will spell disaster for it. “Migratory birds will stop nesting in the lake. Already their numbers have reduced due to disturbances,” he added.