Nagpur Lakes Vanish: Civic Neglect Causes Disappearance

Nagpur's natural flood buffers, its lakes, are rapidly disappearing due to neglect, encroachment, and untreated sewage inflow. Official records now show two lakes, Dobi and Sanjay Gandhi, have effectively vanished from the city's water body inventory. Currently, only five of the eleven original lakes are under the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) jurisdiction, highlighting a significant administrative oversight.

Ambazari Lake, the city's largest, is critically endangered by water hyacinth and continuous sewage discharge, risking ecological collapse within years. Sonegaon and Sakkardara lakes have seen their catchment areas drastically reduced due to construction, making them reliant on stormwater and sewage. Other water bodies like Naik, Binaki, and Lendi Talao suffer from rampant pollution, with encroachments hindering rejuvenation efforts.

Fragmented ownership among various agencies is a major hurdle for effective lake conservation. Despite the worsening situation, no funds were received under the State Lake Conservation Scheme recently. However, some rejuvenation projects, like Gandhi Sagar Lake, have seen funding for beautification and restoration, though some works remain incomplete. This crisis underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive conservation policy and coordinated management to prevent further loss of these critical ecosystems.