Ambazari Lake is one of the landmarks of Nagpur city and immediate steps be taken to restore its glory and repair the damaged portion at overflow point as it may get dilapidated further and could pose danger to citizens. Mayor Sandip Joshi on Friday reviewed the situation about Ambazari Lake following media reports about development of cracks in the concrete structure at the overflow point. Joshi stressed on proper maintenance of the lake which he termed as ancient splendour and a valuable asset of the city.

 

Joshi presided over the joint meeting wherein officials of Maha Metro, Irrigation Department and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) were present and deliberation were held regarding the safety of Ambazari Lake. The meeting was held at Central Office of NMC.

 

As the crossing and overflow wall of Ambazari Lake is very old, it is necessary to start the work of strengthening the lake wall as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A total of Rs 28 crore has been proposed for the project, the funds would be shared by NMC, Metro and Irrigation Department. Irrigation Department is entrusted with the work of strengthening the wall for the safety of the lake.

 

Mayor also directed removal of obstacles and other dumped material at the overflow point and stated that work should be started as soon as possible. In addition, it was also pointed out to cut down trees that have grown up in the vicinity of the lake, particularly the bushes. He also directed to complete the tender and other administrative process so that work can start at the earliest.

 

The wreckage near Swami Vivekanand Memorial near the Ambazari Lake has been disfigured by the Metro Rail Corporation. In addition, the debris can pose danger for the lake. In view of this, Mayor also directed Metro to immediately remove the debris.

 

The meeting was attended by Manisha Kothe, Deputy Mayor, Amar Bagde, Chairperson, Dharampeth Zone, Varsha Thakre, Deputy Ruling Party Leader, Ram Joshi, Additional Commissioner, Amol Chaurapgar, Deputy Commissioner and Parks Superintendent, Dr Shweta Banerjee, Superintendent of Public Engineering, Manoj Ganvir, Executive Engineer, Jayant Gavai, Superintendent, Irrigation Department, Dr Chandewar, Dhumne, Metro officials and social worker Praveen Mahajan.

 

Meanwhile, Jansamsya Nivaran Sangarsha Samiti expressed surprise at diverse opinion given by Central Design Organisation as to stability and robustness of Ambazari dam, while Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (MERI) pointed out threat to lives of citizens due to dilapidated condition of the lake. N L Sawarkar, General Secretary, Samiti, said the 150 years old Ambazari Lake needs to be preserved and all the required steps for its maintenance should be taken.

 

He further pointed out that the lake is filled to brim against backdrop of excess rainfall in the city. The stalled beautification of the adjoining Ambazari Garden too should be speeded-up by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) as it cannot shirk its responsibility.