NMC mulling recreation centre at Sonegaon lake

 

 

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) plans to develop the precincts of Sonegaon lake as a recreation centre facilitating citizens spend quality time by the water body. For the proposed project, the civic body is aiming for a long term perspective so that developed facilities remain useful for long. With such vision, NMC is scouting for experts in the field of Public Spaces Management (PSM) seeking design ideas for facilities that could be set up at Sonegaon. The main aim is to develop citizen-centric theme, one that should have mass appeal while also maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the environment surrounding the lake, said the officials. Sonegaon lake bank recreation centre could be a pilot project and based on response from citizens, in future NMC might recreate similar facilities at other water bodies in city that are also being rejuvenated.

 

There are nearly 10 water bodies in city that are being rejuvenated to address concern about protection of environment. The civic body is right now engaged in deepening and rejuvenation of the historic Sonegaon Lake. For the same funds were received by civic body from Maharashtra Government and through 15th Finance Commission. The same was meant for improving the water quality and maintaining ecological balance and most importantly to have good public spaces. The last point is most important as with rapid urbanisation, open public spaces are getting lost in mad rush of development and therefore the lake banks can be effectively used for creation of recreational spaces that can act as stress buster. An amphi-theater is also on cards so as to provide place for staging drama for screening short films to entertain the visitors. Sonegaon lake was constructed during the regime of Bhonsle Kingdom in Nagpur and used to function as base of the Kingdom's army. Over the years, the lake remained as it is while residential colonies started springing-up one after one on the Northern side of the lake.

 

Though the inlet points of the lake were somewhat compromised, still the area of the lake remains intact. In first phase, a portion of lake was drained and the silt removed using funds received under Amrut 2.0 scheme of Maharashtra Government. Now as it wants to tap the lake bank to the fullest, civic bosses are going to hire services of PSM experts who can suitably advise on steps to be taken for leverage greenery on the lake bank. Already, NMC has laid out a neat green lawn with a breath taking view of the lake that during monsoon fills to the brim. With urbanisation increasing at rapid pace in South and Western side of city, the aesthetically developed garden with well maintained facilities could be appealing to visitors. The civic officials are keen to develop floriculture and also have drinking water facility along with toilets.

 

Ample public amenities should be available at the spot, mainly rain shelter, places to seat, and also provision of wi-fi. NMC is keen on upgrading the public facilities so as to offer more open spaces where one can spend quality time with family. As of now there are very little options and they become crowded, like Maharajbagh, Ambazari overflow point, and few gardens in East and South Nagpur. Futala Lake precincts that was once a lively place to visit vanished in name of development and now civic body wants clean and well maintained public places that are easily accessible and most of strategically situated. Once developed the developer will have to ensure proper maintained of Promenade and other facilities at Sonegaon and Geo tag the assets located in the area of lake Promenade.