Post clearence of legal challenge, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari asked city officials to expedite repair work for restarting the prestigious Futala Fountain project. Taking review of fountain status post dismissing of NGO’s challenge by the Supreme Court, Gadkari took stock of the primary report prepared by two agencies. While Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) is tasked with fountain work, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) was given construction of mega parking lot with a restaurant on the top. On Friday, Gadkari took stock of the status of the Fountain at a meeting held at his residence.

 

The fountain has been in ruins for past two years post legal challenge was mounted by a city NGO citing threat to wetland due to the project. The officials of Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) briefed the Union Minister about their analysis, the required cost needed for repairs and time that would be required to get the fountain running again. Gadkari impressed upon officials that Futala Fountain is a prestigious project for the city and they should take quick steps to restore it and provide to citizens a top class entertainment project.

 

The fountain was never officially opened and post commissioning a few shows were held for the citizens to give them a peek. Before regular shows could start, a local NGO challenged the project claiming same vitiated wetland. However earlier Bombay High Court and later Supreme Court rejected the contention. However even before the court case, the foundation ran into ground after the electric cables under water got damaged due to algae. Now officials of NMRDA are asking seeking consultant help to lay new cables that can resist the algae. The iconic project of city, Futala Fountain has seen massive public investment and it is said to biggest floating project. Guided by laser and having voice over of popular bollywood artists, the Futala Fountain also incorporated Nagpur’s history and its growth. The meeting was attended by District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar, Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, Dr Brijesh Dixit, MD, MSIDC, Revathi, noted actress and Arts Director, Futala Fountain Project, Rajiv Tyagi, Director, Maha Metro, were present at the meeting.