Nagpur Municipal Corporation Secures ₹480 Crore Loan for Pora River Project
Taking on the Challenge
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is embarking on a monumental endeavor — the ₹960 crore Pora River Pollution Abatement project. This initiative requires the corporation to obtain a substantial loan of ₹480 crore to finance its share of the project cost. A senior official from NMC’s accounts and finance department confirmed that both the central and state governments would each contribute 50% of the project cost, leaving NMC responsible for securing the remaining funds.
Government Backing
This ambitious project is part of the Central government’s Amrut 2.0 Mission, showcasing a unified effort towards environmental sustainability. Notably, in the previous year, the central government approved the south sewage disposal project, valued at ₹957.01 crore. Under this scheme, the central and state governments will each contribute 25% shares, while NMC will invest 50% of the project cost.
Setting Aggressive Deadlines
The government has stipulated a three-year timeline for the completion of the Pora River Pollution Abatement project. However, demonstrating their commitment to swift action, the NMC has set an even more ambitious two-year deadline for the contractors to fulfill their responsibilities. This sense of urgency underscores the critical importance of this project for the residents of the south-west and south assembly constituencies.
Addressing Sewerage Management
A significant aspect of this project involves comprehensive sewerage management in areas traversed by the Pora river. The plan entails laying a new sewer line spanning 417 kms, with 253 kms designated for Laxmi Nagar, Hanuman Nagar, Dhantoli zones, and parts of the Nehru Nagar zone. An additional 164 km line will be laid in the Hudkeshwar-Narsala area.
Financial Considerations
Given the scale of the project and the current financial situation, NMC may seek additional loans to bridge any funding gaps. Exploring various avenues for financial support, the civic body is also investigating the possibility of obtaining funds under the 15th Finance Commission of the state government. To manage cash flow efficiently, NMC plans to stagger the loan acquisition, seeking it in 2-3 installments as per the project’s requirements.
Multipronged Approach to Urban Transformation
In tandem with the Pora River project, NMC is actively engaged in rejuvenating two lakes in central Nagpur — Lendi Talao and Naik Talao — as part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0. Leveraging funds obtained through the 15th Finance Commission, NMC is committed to enhancing the city’s environmental landscape. Currently, the corporation is diligently repaying a ₹6.25 crore installment for loans secured for three ongoing projects.
The Pora River Pollution Abatement project stands as a testament to Nagpur’s commitment to environmental stewardship and urban development. With strong governmental support and strategic financial planning, NMC is poised to tackle this challenge head-on, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future for its residents.
- What is the total cost of the Pora River Pollution Abatement project? The project is estimated to cost ₹960 crore, with NMC securing a loan of ₹480 crore to finance its share.
- How long will the project take to complete? While the government has set a three-year deadline, NMC has ambitiously set a two-year timeline for project completion.
- What areas will be covered under the sewerage management aspect of the project? The project includes sewerage management in areas along the Pora river, spanning Laxmi Nagar, Hanuman Nagar, Dhantoli zones, and parts of the Nehru Nagar zone.
- How will NMC manage its finances for the project? NMC plans to seek additional loans and explore funding opportunities under the 15th Finance Commission to ensure seamless project financing.
- What other initiatives is NMC undertaking alongside the Pora River project? In addition to the Pora River project, NMC is rejuvenating Lendi Talao and Naik Talao lakes as part of its urban transformation efforts.
