In 24 hrs, Ambazari, Gorewada lakes close to overflow levels, citizens fear flash flood
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Nagpur: Incessant rainfall for the last three days led to a sharp rise in the water level of two major lakes — Ambazari and Gorewada — pushing them dangerously close to the overflow level, reviving fears of a repeat of the September 2023 flash floods that devastated over two dozen localities.
According to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) water works department, the level of Ambazari Lake rose by 1.82 metres in 24 hours, from 314.18 metres on Tuesday to 316.00 metres on Wednesday, just 20 cm short of breaching its new overflow cut wall level of 316.20 metres. With a catchment area of 15.4 sq km, the lake has been filling up rapidly amid continuous rainfall.
Gorewada Lake, another key drinking water source, recorded an even steeper rise of 2.68 metres, from 312.06 metres on Tuesday to 314.74 metres by Wednesday.
With the overflow mark at the Godbole Gates at 315.65 metres, an increase in water level by just 91 cm will cause the lake to overflow.
"Incessant rains along the catchment areas of both the lakes have increased the water level significantly," said a senior official from NMC's water works department.
Officials are on high alert as more rainfall could force the administration to initiate controlled discharges, which might lead to flooding in low-lying areas downstream and along Nag and Pili rivers.
Warnings are likely to be issued to vulnerable settlements near the lakes if levels continue to rise. Already, Nag River is flowing close to the brim at several locations.
The surge in Ambazari Lake's level has alarmed citizens in areas affected by the September 23, 2023, flash floods, when the lake overflowed and inundated over 25 localities downstream and along the Nag River, including parts of Dharampeth, Ramdaspeth, Dhantoli, and low-lying colonies near Shankar Nagar.
The disaster caused damages pegged at over Rs300 crore, affecting homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
Following the calamity, the civic body launched a Rs400 crore mitigation plan that includes strengthening Ambazari dam, reinforcing retaining walls along the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers, and installing flood early warning systems. With Ambazari just centimetres away from overflowing again, residents are praying that the rains relent before history repeats itself.
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