Implement Nag River rejuvenation plan at earliest: HC

Nagpur: Expressing concern over unabated pollution in Nag River despite its repeated orders, the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Monday slammed civic authorities for negligence.
Quoting various media reports that highlighted how garbage is still accumulated and sewage water flows in the iconic river after which the city was named, the court called on the authorities to implement its rejuvenation plan at the earliest.
A division bench comprising justices Sunil Shukre and Anil Kilor also directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to submit all details for the river’s revised rejuvenation plan within two weeks.
The directives came while hearing a suo motu PIL (No 1/2020) based on various media reports highlighting the plight of the historic river that has now turned into a veritable nullah for dumping sewage. Nikhil Padhye has been appointed as amicus curiae in the PIL.
Pointing towards the river’s contaminated water polluting the Gosikhurd dam, the bench observed that many viruses like E coli and others were found in it, which pose danger to humans.
“Such pitiable condition of the city’s biggest water source is a matter of serious concern. Especially in the pandemic era, where clean drinking water should be a priority, such a condition of the iconic river is hard to believe. It’s necessary to give new life to it and for that, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned and all sources of pollution should be immediately sealed,” the judges said.
Earlier, NMC counsel Sudhir Puranik informed about revised Development Project Report (DPR) of the river, where Rs2,400 crore would be spent for its rejuvenation. It would be cleaned in four phases and would be provided a new lease of life. The first phase would involve its cleaning and deepening, followed by plantation work on its borders. Removal of massive encroachments over it would be taken up in the next phase.
The bench then asked Puranik if NMC has sufficient budget to implement the DPR and from where funds would be raised, if it’s in financial constraints.
Various media reports have highlighted how dirt and slush flows through the river, which flows from Central Telegraph Office’s (CTO) backside and adjacent to Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC). As it hasn't been cleaned in a long time, foul smell emanating from it makes life difficult for the nearby residents.
Due to slush, stray pigs have started roaming in the area in large numbers, adding to people’s woes.