Strenghthening of Ambazari lake HC expresses concern over delay

 

 

 

 

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has expressed serious concern over the delay in the strengthening and revitalisation of the Ambazari Lake on Wednesday while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the aftermath of heavy rains on September 23. The court questioned why the ambitious Ambazari Lake Plan Scheme, initiated in 2018, had not been completed within the stipulated five years. The recent flooding in the Nagpur, following the heavy rains, led to extensive damage to houses, shops, cinema halls, schools, hospitals, and many more. The court highlighted that the delay in completing the dam project poses a significant risk to the lives of citizens. Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Abhay Mantri expressed displeasure over the failed functioning of the concerned department during the hearing.

 

NMC’s counsel raised questions about the exact and last date of the Ambazari Lake Plan Scheme in 2018 and highlighted the urgency of the matter. The High Court warned that non-bailable arrest warrants could be issued against the responsible officials if a satisfactory response is not provided. The court has ordered the concerned officers to appear during the next hearing and submit their replies by December 22. In a previous hearing, notices were issued to key officials, including the Principal Secretary of the State Government, Secretary of Irrigation Department, Relief and Rehabilitation Department, NMC, NIT, District Collector, Heritage Committee, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and MahaMetro.