Nagpur Secures Rs1,300 Crore for Water Projects Until 2027
The Nagpur government has approved significant water projects amid concerns over declining reservoir levels.
Rs1,300 crore allocated for two major water supply projects in Nagpur.
No immediate water cuts announced, with 190 million cubic metres of Pench water approved until August 2027.
Plans include a Rs900 crore barrage and a Rs400 crore regional supply scheme.
In a significant development for Nagpur, the state government has approved water projects worth Rs1,300 crore, ensuring the city's water supply until August 2027. Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule made this announcement during a review meeting at Bachhat Bhavan, where he ruled out immediate water cuts despite warnings from Mayor Neeta Thakre regarding declining reservoir levels.
The approval includes a substantial allocation of 190 million cubic metres of water from the Pench project, aimed at securing Nagpur's water needs in the face of potential drought conditions. Bawankule instructed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), and the water resources department to develop proposals for two long-term water supply initiatives.
The first project involves a proposed Rs900-crore barrage on the Kanhan and Kolar rivers, designed to enhance the city's water security. NMC and the water resources department are tasked with preparing the proposal for state cabinet approval. The second initiative, estimated at Rs400 crore, focuses on a regional water supply scheme that aims to utilize 35 million litres per day from Nagpur's allocated Pench water, which is currently underutilized. This scheme is expected to improve water distribution to neighboring cities and alleviate pressure on existing supply networks.
During the meeting, Bawankule also emphasized the need for conservation measures, including restrictions on commercial water usage and mandatory installation of rainwater harvesting systems. However, details regarding the enforcement of these restrictions and the timeline for implementing rainwater harvesting were not disclosed. The meeting included various officials, including Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal and other local leaders, who discussed the urgency of addressing the city's water supply challenges.
Looking ahead, the next steps involve finalizing the proposals for the barrage and regional supply scheme, which will be submitted to the state government for approval. This proactive approach aims to secure Nagpur's water resources amid ongoing concerns about reservoir levels and potential shortages in the future.
