Nagpur Nag River: New Plans for Cleanup by 2032

The Nag River, an integral part of the city’s natural environment in Nagpur, for years underwent degradation through pollution. Sewage disposal and urban development have over years degraded this long untouched watercourse to a polluted brook. However, a strong campaign to revitalize the Nagpur Nag River is in full motion, backed with a significant financial investment in terms of funding through Central Government grants.

With an allocation of Rs 295 crore in the Union Budget, this project is a part of the larger Nag River Pollution Abatement Project, which has a total budget of Rs 2,000 crore. This initiative aims to stop sewage from flowing into the river and is expected to be completed by 2032. The project is a significant step towards rejuvenating the river, improving sanitation, and creating a healthier environment for the people of Nagpur.

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The Nag River Pollution Abatement Project: An Overview

The Nagpur Nag River Pollution Abatement Project is a large-scale initiative aimed at cleaning and reviving the river. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has joined hands with Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd, which will serve as the Project Management Consultant (PMC). The PMC will design a new sewerage network for the northern and central zones of Nagpur, ensuring that the entire city is integrated under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. This initiative focuses on a 16.58 km stretch of the river, aiming to stop sewage from entering the waterway.

The project has been planned carefully and approved by the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) in September last year. It is set to be completed in 88 months, ensuring a long-term and sustainable solution to river pollution.

Funding and Financial Support

A project of this scale requires substantial funding, and the financial backing has been well-structured. The total funding of Rs 2,000 crore is shared among three major stakeholders:

  • Central Government: 60% of the funding
  • State Government: 25% of the funding
  • Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC): 15% of the funding

The recent allocation of Rs 295 crore from the Union Budget is a crucial boost that will accelerate the implementation of the project.

Role of Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd and Its Partners

Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd has been chosen as the PMC after a rigorous selection process that began in January 2024. The company will work alongside its joint venture partners, which include:

Together, these companies will conduct a detailed survey to determine the number of sewage treatment plants (STPs) required to clean the river effectively. Their expertise and experience in handling large infrastructure projects will play a key role in the successful execution of this initiative.

Nagpur Nag River

The Challenge of Sewage Pollution

Currently, around 500 million liters per day (MLD) of untreated sewage flows into the Nag, Pili, and Pohra rivers. This untreated wastewater has severely polluted these rivers, affecting aquatic life and the overall environment. However, the NMC and the Nagpur Improvement Trust have already been treating over 400 MLD of wastewater every day.

With the implementation of this new project, more sewage treatment plants will be built, ensuring that no untreated wastewater enters the Nag River. This will significantly reduce pollution levels and help restore the river’s health.

The Impact of the Project

The Nagpur Nag River Pollution Abatement Project is expected to bring several positive changes to Nagpur:

  1. Cleaner River and Improved Water Quality: Stopping sewage from entering the river will lead to cleaner water, benefiting both people and the environment.
  2. Better Public Health: Reduced pollution will lower the risk of waterborne diseases, leading to better public health outcomes.
  3. Enhanced Biodiversity: With cleaner water, aquatic life in the river will thrive, restoring the natural ecosystem.
  4. Boost to Local Economy: The project will create job opportunities and promote tourism, contributing to economic growth.
  5. Efficient Use of Treated Water: The NMC already generates Rs 60 crore annually by selling treated sewage water to the Koradi and Khaparkheda Thermal Power Stations. With additional sewage treatment capacity, this revenue could increase, making wastewater management more sustainable.

The Road Ahead

While the project is a significant step towards rejuvenating the Nagpur Nag River, its success depends on proper execution, monitoring, and public participation. Citizens of Nagpur can contribute by:

  • Avoiding dumping waste into the river
  • Supporting conservation efforts
  • Spreading awareness about keeping water bodies clean

The government, on its part, needs to ensure timely implementation and strict monitoring of the project. Transparency in fund utilization and regular progress updates will help build trust and encourage public support.

Conclusion

The Nagpur Nag River rejuvenation project is a much-needed initiative to restore one of Nagpur’s most important water bodies. With strong financial backing, expert guidance from Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd, and the commitment of local authorities, this project holds the potential to bring about a transformative change. If executed effectively, Nagpur will witness a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant Nag River by 2032.

This is a golden opportunity for the city to lead by example in water conservation and pollution control. A collective effort from the government, private sector, and citizens will ensure that future generations can enjoy a clean and thriving river.