Maharashtra Government has given administrative approval to Stage-II of Sonegaon Lake beautification plan of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and released first instalment of Rs 8.25 crore. A high-powered committee headed by Chief Secretary went through the proposal forwarded by Municipal Commissioner and granted clearance to Rs 24.96 crore plan. The Committee said Sonegaon lake being historic and ancient, the funds would help in its conservation and enhance its beauty. NMC has taken-up lake conservation work in city with a view to restore back the pristine glory of the water bodies. The high-powered committee said 30 per cent of the approval plan amount should be deposited with NMC to enable the civic body to take-up the ongoing development works. As per the plan drawn-up by NMC, a protection wall is going to be constructed on Southern part of the Sonegaon lake. Further beautification work, including laying of lawn and other amenities with a view to make it a tourism potential is going to be taken-up on Southern, Western and Eastern boundaries of the lake.

 

Many people visit the Sonegaon lake but with little place for recreation means there is a big disappointment. Sometime back, the desilting work was carried out at the lake bed and it has helped in increasing the water storage here. At present the only seating arrangement is at the temple premises adjoining the lake. But post sunset, the surrounding area wears a desolate look and hence civic body plans to install flood lights and provide a small garden so that families can visit and spend quality time by lake side.

 

The Department of Tourism and Cultural while granting clearance for Stage-II beautification plan of Sonegaon Lake, advised Municipal Commissioner to ensure that there is no budget cost overrun while implementing the project. The procedure for allotment of development works should be as per the laid down norms. Also it is desired that beautification works at Sonegaon Lake should be completed by March 31, 2024. Further NMC was directed to take NoC from Temple Trust in case development or beautification works are going to be carried out at latter's place. For the same, District Collector should ink a pact with the Trust to facilitate carrying out work in proper way. NMC was also directed to submit quality assurance report post completion of work. Sonegaon Lake was constructed during the Bhonsala regime. Their cavalry used to be stationed at Sonegaon, and hence the lake was made here.