110-yr-old Binaki Mangalwarilake all set to be born again

Nagpur: Binaki Mangalwari lake, which had disappeared from the city’s map and also from the records of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), is all set to survive as the central government has sanctioned ₹6.70 crore under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (Amrut).
However, the civic body has decided to restrict the revival works up to only 60% of the total area of the waterbody, leaving remaining 40% catchment area which is under encroachments.

Claimed to be over 110 years old, Binaki Mangalwari lake will be desilted for the first time in its history. As per plan, edge wall will be constructed around the lake followed by walking track and fencing. Artificial immersion tank will also be constructed along with kalash for collection of nirmalya to prevent pollution after rejuvenation. Toilet block and stormwater drain works have also been planned at the waterbody.
The NMC has started the tender process and likely to open bids on May 3. The contractor will be given 12 months for completing the works.
Interestingly, the lake was not included in the city’s revised development plan (DP) implemented in 2000. The state government had launched state lakes conservation plan (SLCP) in 2007-08. The NMC had prepared a list of lakes and submitted it to the state’s environment department seeking funds for rejuvenation. The said lake did not feature in the list.
Former mayor Kishor Dorle had demanded inclusion of the said lake in the list but none paid heed. TOI on October 10, 2016, had reported about the waterbody missing from DP and NMC’s records. Thereafter, the NMC approached the district administration and officially included the waterbody in its record.
Dorle said, “If the encroachments are not removed and desilting is done in entire area, the lake will be a cement concrete pond. Exact area of the lake is mentioned in the revenue records and accordingly entire area should be restored. Sewage lines have been linked to the lake, which should be tapped. Also, regular maintenance should be followed after completion of the works.”
Due to official apathy, buildings up to four storeys have been constructed in the catchment area of the lake. All these encroachments have taken place right under the nose of NMC and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) officials.
The NMC has also started tender process for rejuvenation of Police Line Takli lake. The government has sanctioned Rs8 crore under 15th Finance Commission. At Police Line Takli lake, works on the lines of Binaki Mangalwari will be carried out, apart from construction of a yoga shed and some more civil works.
With the help of funds from the government, the NMC had executed rejuvenation works at Sonegaon, Gandhisagar and Pandhrabodi lakes. Works at Lendi and Naik lakes are also all set to begin.