Central Nagpur’s Naik Talao is undergoing a significant transformation following successful intervention by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to eliminate pollution. During an inspection on Thursday, Mayor Neeta Thakre expressed satisfaction that 38 sewage inflow points leading into the lake have been completely blocked, effectively making the water body pollution-free. Previously plagued by water hyacinth and foul odour, the lake has been rejuvenated through a special sanitation campaign. To enhance the space for residents, the Mayor issued several key directives.

 

Public amenities: Immediate commencement of work on a walking track around the lake for citizens. Safety: Installation of protective grills on the lake’s retaining wall to ensure public safety. Lendi Talao inspection: During a visit to Lendi Talao, the Mayor ordered removal of encroachments. Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhre instructed officials to issue legal notices to encroachers. Flood prevention: Orders were given to divert water flow to prevent the lake from overflowing into residential areas during the monsoon. Leading by example: Carpooling In a notable gesture, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal, Mayor Neeta Thakre, Deputy Mayor Leela Hathibed, and Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhre practiced carpooling by travelling in a single vehicle during their visits to Ambazari and Naik Talao. The inspection team included local corporators and senior technical officials, including Superintending Engineer Dr Shweta Banerjee.

 

Ambazari lake Along with Naik and Lendi Talao, Mayor conducted a site inspection of the Ambazari Lake, to address the extensive growth of water hyacinth currently choking the water body. Concerned about water pollution and ecological damage, the Mayor directed the administration to deploy additional machinery and accelerate cleaning operations before the monsoon begins. During the review, it was noted that, hyacinth had been successfully cleared from approximately 7 to 8 acres so far.

 

To fast-track the remaining work, the current fleet of four Poclains, one JCB, and three tippers will be augmented. Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar specifically ordered the number of Poclains to be increased to six and mandated the immediate transport of removed hyacinth away from the site. He highlighted that the Wadi Municipal Council’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is expected to be completed this year, ensuring that treated water enters the lake. Furthermore, the NMC has constructed a temporary bund to block incoming sewage, which is a primary driver of hyacinth growth.