After the tragic disappearance of Dobi Talao and Sanjay Nagar Talao, which were recently confirmed as extinct, a total of 11 lakes are currently visible on the map of the city, out of which, four more lakes are facing a severe ecological crisis and are on the brink of extinction.The NMC’s records currently list only 11 surviving lakes in city, including Gorewada, Ambazari, Futala, Sonegaon, Police Line Takli, Sakkardara, Pandhrabodi, Binaki Mangalwari, Naik, Lendi and Gandhisagar lake. 

 

 

Pandhrabodi Talao, located in West Nagpur, is currently termed as almost finished. Once a thriving water resource, the lake has almost entirely dried up, leaving behind a barren bed. Despite previous rejuvenation attempts by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), lack of consistent maintenance has left this water body at its most vulnerable state. 

 

 

In North Nagpur, the Binaki Mangalwari Lake, a 110-year-old water body, is struggling for survival. While the NMC has initiated a Rs 6.70 crore beautification project under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, the current reality is grim. One of the workers Prem, who, with others, is involved in the ongoing 1.5-month-long project, suggests the goal is to mirror the design of Naik Lake. Lifting the height of the wall and installing paver blocks around the lake will upgrade the look of the premises. 

 

 

The benchmark for recent beautification, Naik Talao, is itself in a pitiable condition. The entire surface has been colonised by water hyacinth (Eichhornia), forming a dense green mat that depletes oxygen levels and threatens aquatic life. Much like the crisis at Ambazari Lake, the infestation at Naik Talao requires immediate mechanical and biological intervention to prevent it from becoming a permanent stagnant reservoir. Unlike the massive outcry over Ambazari Lake, no green brigade is shedding any tears for Naik Talao, leaving the NMC to look the other way even as the water body struggles for survival. 

 

 

Perhaps, the most critical case is Lendi Talao, one of the oldest lakes in Jagnath Budhwari, the central area of the city. This historic lake has virtually disappeared under a thick cover of wild plants and tall grass. It doesn’t have the protecting wall like of Naik Talao nearby, allowing a free hand for encroachment of the lake at a much larger pace, effectively turning a grand lake into a small pond. Once a lifeline for the neighbourhood, Lendi Talao has suffered from unchecked urbanisation and apathy. Encroachments along its banks have narrowed the lake, reducing its size dramatically. The disappearance of Dobi and Sanjay Sagar lakes serves as a stark warning. These four lakes need immediate attention from the administration or else these four historic landmarks may soon follow the same path of permanent erasure from the city’s geography.