5 days ago
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.
