GSDA asks NMC to conduct survey of depleting water level in Futala Lake
   Date :31-Mar-2021

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Staff Reporter :
 
Environment experts says, agency shrugging off its responsibility
 
 
Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA), Government of Maharashtra has instructed Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to conduct a survey and take technical expertise to find out the reason behind decreasing ground water level in Futala Lake. GSDA issued a letter to NMC in which it stated that the Agency has no prior data regarding the Futala Lake premises and NMC must conduct the technical study at their level. Environment activists stated that GSDA was just passing the buck to NMC.
 
“It is just beyond imagination the reason of passing the buck inspite of all the expertise and instrumentation, access to satellite data and jurisdiction over Maharashtra. Crores of rupees are spent over such institutions and they just do not want to find out reasons for such important happenings,” said Anasuya Kale-Chhabrani, Environment Activist, to The Hitavada. “Such bodies like GSDA which are meant to look after and to intervene in such activities are turning a blind eye even after bringing the facts to their notice or are just white elephants for misleading public,” said Anasuya Kale Chhabrani. Kaustav Chatterjee, Founder, Green Vigil Foundation, who first highlighted the issue, said, “Instead of passing the responsibility to other department, the GSDA must come forward and conduct a joint survey with NMC and Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) on this issue.” Chatterjee said, “The water fluctuation was first noticed in the month of February and after one month also no authority taking the responsibility of this issue is a matter of concern which is showing the leniency of the departments.”
 
The Hitavada, in the month of February, had reported that water level of the lake depleted about couple of feet which was visible on the embankment of the lake. The environment experts of the city defined the water level fluctuation in the lake is an abnormal activity in the month of winter. Excess use of ground water in nearby locality may cause this type of fluctuation in the lake.
 
The experts urged civic administration to come forward and do proper enquiry of use of ground water in the area. Some experts raised concern over the water seeping out due to the newly developed cracks on the wall of the Futala lake which was already in depleted condition. The vibration and pressure generated on walls due to ongoing construction activities might have resulted in more flow of water through the cracked walls towards low lying areas. Maha Metro is constructing a viewers gallery at bank of the lake to make it a tourist destination of the city.