The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is gearing up for a Herculean task with just three months remaining before the monsoon hits. Their mission: to construct over 8km of retaining walls along the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers, as well as nullahs across the city. This initiative aims to prevent a recurrence of last year’s devastating floods. Armed with a special Rs204 crore grant, the NMC is determined to safeguard its residents from the looming monsoon threat.
The Financial Landscape
NMC Chief Engineer Rajiv Gaikwad reveals that out of the allocated Rs204 crore, a substantial Rs163.23 crore will be dedicated to mending the damaged retaining walls. These structures play a crucial role in averting floods from rivers and nullahs within the corporation limits. Gaikwad emphasizes that the primary focus will be on commencing the construction from the Ambazari overflow point to Dhiran Kanya School at Dhantoli on Wardha Road.
Survey Findings: A Blueprint for Action
The NMC’s Public Works Department survey identified damaged walls at 36 different locations that contributed to flooding. Particularly, the compromised retaining walls from the starting point of Nag River near Ambazari Lake wreaked havoc in localities such as Corporation Colony, Daga Layout, Ambazari Layout, Purohit Layout, Kasturba Layout, Yashwant Nagar, Dandige Layout, and Shankar Nagar. Thousands faced significant financial losses as the floodwaters infiltrated these areas.
Tar Roads: A Parallel Predicament
In addition to the damaged retaining walls, last year’s incessant rains on September 23 took a toll on the city’s infrastructure. A staggering 61.38km of tar roads were left in disrepair across 29 localities, inflicting further distress on the residents. Out of the special funds, Rs41.48 crore is earmarked for rebuilding these roads, adding another layer to NMC’s monsoon preparedness strategy.
Swift Action: Tenders and Work Orders
Undeterred by the impending monsoon, the NMC has initiated the process to utilize state funds promptly. Tenders have been floated, and within a month, work orders for both retaining walls and tar roads will be awarded without any delay. This swift action underscores the urgency and commitment to fortify the city against potential flood disasters.
Resident Concerns: Beyond Walls and Roads
Residents downstream of Nag River near Ambazari, still reeling from last year’s floods, voice concerns beyond mere infrastructure. They demand a comprehensive study to identify the root cause of the floods. Furthermore, their suggestions include widening Nag River by dismantling the walls of Seven Wonders, a project developed by Maha Metro, and relocating the Vivekananda Statue. Their plea emphasizes the need for holistic flood mitigation plans that address both immediate and underlying issues.
FAQs: Addressing Concerns
Q1: What is the NMC’s primary focus in the upcoming three months?
A1: The NMC’s main priority is the construction of retaining walls along the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers, as well as nullahs across the city, to prevent a recurrence of last year’s floods.
Q2: How will the allocated funds be utilized?
A2: Out of the Rs204 crore grant, Rs163.23 crore will be dedicated to repairing damaged retaining walls, while Rs41.48 crore will go towards rebuilding 61.38km of tar roads.
Q3: Which areas were most affected by the damaged retaining walls?
A3: Localities such as Corporation Colony, Daga Layout, Ambazari Layout, Purohit Layout, Kasturba Layout, Yashwant Nagar, Dandige Layout, and Shankar Nagar faced significant financial losses due to the compromised retaining walls.
Q4: What actions are being taken to address the damaged tar roads?
A4: The NMC has already initiated the process to utilize state funds, with tenders floated and work orders set to be awarded promptly within a month.
Q5: What additional concerns are raised by residents downstream of Nag River?
A5: Residents demand a thorough study to identify the root cause of floods and propose measures such as widening Nag River and relocating structures like the Vivekananda Statue.
Q6: How is the NMC planning to ensure a swift response to the impending monsoon?
A6: The NMC (Nagpur Municipal Corporation) is expediting the process by promptly utilizing state funds, with tenders already in circulation and work orders set to be awarded within a month.
As the Nagpur Municipal Corporation races against time to meet the three-month deadline, the focus on erecting an 8.4km Nag River retaining wall reflects a commitment to safeguarding residents from the specter of monsoon-induced floods. The multifaceted approach, addressing both damaged retaining walls and tar roads, coupled with resident input, signifies a comprehensive strategy to fortify the city’s resilience against future calamities.
