Latest news with #Rs70.26
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
River retaining walls not ready, citizens dread 9/23 floods rerun
Nagpur: Nearly 20 months after the devastating flash floods of September 2023 damaged riverbanks and swept away protective infrastructure across Nagpur, the reconstruction of critical retaining walls along the Nag, Pili and Pora rivers remains incomplete or is yet to begin in several vulnerable stretches. Despite the state govt sanctioning Rs204.72 crore in February 2024, including Rs163.23 crore specifically earmarked for riverbank protection works, execution has been abysmally slow. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) issued work orders worth Rs154.42 crore, but only Rs86.63 crore has been disbursed so far. The civic body has used the amount and urged the divisional commissioner to release the remaining Rs70.26 crore to complete the pending works and clear dues to contractors. However, lack of accountability within the NMC's public works department has worsened the situation. Sources said that contractors awarded the work sublet key portions to petty sub-contractors, who allegedly carried out the work at a snail's pace, missing deadlines and compromising on quality. Despite the urgency of the task and clear administrative approvals, no penalties or warnings were issued so far, said sources familiar with the matter. In the Kumbhartoli area, where the Nag river overflowed during the 2023 deluge, retaining wall work hasn't even started, though work orders were issued almost a year ago. The locality, which was among the worst hit, is facing the threat of repeat flooding, especially now with the monsoon at the doorstep. Residents expressed fear and frustration, alleging negligence by the authorities. Former BJP corporator Narendra alias Balya Borkar submitted a memorandum to municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari this week, flagging the alarmingly slow pace of work and inaction by officials. He also raised the issue with guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who is set to chair a high-level review meeting at NMC headquarters on June 7 at 4.30pm. Borkar told TOI that the NMC engaged contractor for constructing retaining wall along Nag River area with no habitation while ignoring the damaged retaining wall in the Kumbhartoli area. Officials from NMC, public works, and revenue departments were summoned to submit progress reports by June 6. The meeting will specifically focus on the delayed construction of retaining wall, a critical intervention to prevent further urban flooding. The prolonged delay, despite funds and administrative backing, has sparked concerns over Nagpur's disaster preparedness and the functioning of its civic machinery.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NMC seeks additional Rs70 crore for flood rehabilitation works
Nagpur: Facing a cash crunch in the middle of critical post-flood rehabilitation initiatives, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has sought an additional Rs70.26 crore from the state govt to complete vital infrastructure repairs. In a formal proposal submitted to the district administration, municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari urged swift financial assistance to settle pending contractor dues and finish ongoing projects before the onset of the monsoon. The city witnessed devastating flash floods on September 22, 2023, causing large-scale damage to basic infrastructure, including roads, river retaining walls, and drainage systems. In the aftermath, NMC had sought Rs234.21 crore from govt for restoration and repair works. Based on evaluations by senior authorities, the state sanctioned Rs204.72 crore — Rs41.48 crore for road repair works and Rs163.23 crore for reconstructing damaged retaining walls along the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers. Of the grants received so far, NMC has utilised Rs19.07 crore for rebuilding battered roads and Rs66.60 crore for river protection structures. According to civic officials, the entire Rs86.63 crore disbursed to date was fully spent, with utilisation certificates already submitted to govt. Despite this, a major portion of the sanctioned works — amounting to Rs154.42 crore through issued work orders — remains incomplete due to a shortfall of funds. Civic officials stated that the remaining Rs70.26 crore is crucial to prevent project halts, ensure timely payments to contractors, and fortify the city's defences against another potential flooding incident. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo NMC emphasised that any delay in funding could severely impact public safety, especially in low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains. The municipal commissioner underlined that prompt release of the requested funds would not only expedite completion of repair and rebuilding works but also help in enhancing the city's flood resilience ahead of the next monsoon season. The civic body, already grappling with manpower and budgetary constraints, considers flood rehabilitation a top priority in 2025-26. Officials pointed out that unfinished works in riverfront protection and road repair could expose large sections of the city to fresh flooding risks if ignored. The proposal is currently under review by the district administration, which is expected to forward its recommendations to the state revenue and forest department for expeditious approval.
