Nagpur's Kolar-Kanhan Barrage Project to Cover 1,198 Hectares
A significant water security initiative in Nagpur faces land acquisition challenges as it aims to submerge nearly 1,200 hectares.
The Kolar-Kanhan barrage project is estimated at Rs 952.32 crore.
1,206.96 hectares of land is required, with significant portions classified as government and private land.
The project aims to enhance Nagpur's water security but has not yet completed land acquisition processes.
In a bid to bolster water security for Nagpur, the Kolar-Kanhan barrage project, estimated at Rs 952.32 crore, is set to submerge approximately 1,198 hectares of land near Bina village in Kamptee taluka. This initiative is crucial as the city currently lacks its own reservoir and relies on existing water sources to meet its demands.
The project documentation reveals that out of the total 1,206.96 hectares needed, 990.646 hectares are classified as government land, which includes 17.881 hectares designated for defense purposes. Additionally, 198.266 hectares of private land and 18.048 hectares of forest land are involved, necessitating careful examination under relevant regulations.
The affected area, particularly Juni Kamptee, has been highlighted in the project plans. The barrage is designed to have a gross storage capacity of 67.88 million cubic meters, with live storage accounting for 67.81 million cubic meters. It is projected to meet a total water utilization of 179.601 million cubic meters. The structure will span 438 meters in length and reach a maximum height of 13.023 meters, featuring 16 barrage bays and eight undersluice bays, each measuring 15 meters wide.
As the project progresses, the impact on landholders in Juni Kamptee and surrounding areas remains a critical concern. The proposal has been submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for approval, but the documentation indicates that processes for land acquisition, rehabilitation, and forest clearance are still pending.
Looking ahead, stakeholders will need to navigate the complexities of land acquisition and environmental regulations as the project moves from administrative approval to execution. The successful implementation of this barrage could significantly enhance Nagpur's water security, but it will require careful management of the affected communities and land resources.
