Vivekananda Statue Stays, but HC Warns Govt of Contempt Over Ambazari Flood Inaction
Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt ruled out relocating Swami Vivekananda Memorial near Ambazari Lake, citing a scientific report that concluded the statue was not responsible for last year's flooding in Nagpur. However, the Nagpur bench of
Bombay high court
on Friday criticised authorities for failing to carry out a hydraulic study of the Nag River stretch, warning of contempt action if delays persist.
In an affidavit submitted before the division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi, Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari informed that a high-powered committee (HPC) chaired by her unanimously decided against shifting the statue. The committee's decision was based on a detailed analysis by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, whose simulations showed that the memorial neither impedes water flow nor contributed to the 2023 floods.
"All 11 members of the committee, along with an invited expert, accepted the CWPRS findings," Bidari stated, adding, "the report is self-explanatory," as noted by CWPRS scientist Kunjeer Prasad during deliberations on April 25 and 29.
Despite this clarity, the court expressed serious displeasure over the authorities' failure to initiate the promised hydraulic study of the 17-km Nag River stretch. The judges noted that six months had passed since the commitment was made, yet the work remained incomplete due to inter-departmental buck-passing.
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"When will the study finish and when will remedial measures begin? Why are you playing the blame game in public?" the bench verbally asked, warning, "Don't force us to start contempt proceedings."
It emerged that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) had not provided the necessary data to CWPRS, blaming the Irrigation Department. The latter insisted it already submitted the required information. Taking a serious note, the court directed all respondents to ensure the study report is submitted before the next hearing on May 6. Petitioners were also asked to file a counter affidavit. "There is lack of coordination among all authorities," the judges noted.
The PIL (No. 56/2023), filed by Ramgopal Bachuka and others through Advocate Tushar Mandlekar, has been seeking accountability for the flooding and timely mitigation measures.
During the hearing, the court questioned the adequacy of floodgate capacity, which was stated to be over 160 litres per second. "The water capacity is not sufficient. That's why the court earlier advised relocating the statue to the land near Crazy Castle," the judges observed.
The HPC also rejected the Irrigation Department's earlier claim that contractor hesitancy necessitated relocating the escape gate. The committee found this argument lacking technical backing. "Non-responsiveness was due to contractors' personal perceptions, not supported by expert evidence," the affidavit clarified.
The department has now awarded the tender for the escape gate project for ₹4.62 crore, with the Letter of Acceptance issued on April 25. Civil work is set to begin immediately, with major progress expected by June 15. Fabrication will be carried out during the monsoon, followed by installation post-monsoon, according to the Chief Engineer.
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has been asked to submit an interim report on the eradication of Eichhornia (water hyacinth) during the committee's upcoming meeting. Monthly reviews will continue to monitor the escape gate's progress.
"I have directed all stakeholders to raise any hurdles immediately, so decisions can be taken without delay," Bidari said.
The NMC will now forward the CWPRS report to the Urban Development Department for appropriate follow-up action, the affidavit mentioned.
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