Home / Environment / NGT Orders Nagpur to Clean Futala Lake
NGT Orders Nagpur to Clean Futala Lake
10 Mar
Summary
- NGT directed NMC to submit a lake cleaning and revival plan.
- Water quality has deteriorated, and waterweed growth is sharp.
- NMC seeks technical support from Neeri for a permanent solution.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) submit a structured plan for the cleaning and revival of Futala lake. This action comes after a noticeable decline in water quality and a significant rise in waterweed across Nagpur's major lakes.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed to the Maharashtra legislative council that waterweed growth has substantially increased in Ambazari lake, while water quality has somewhat diminished in other key lakes. The NMC has been conducting continuous weed removal and is now seeking expert technical assistance from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) for a sustainable resolution.
The NGT issued its directive on February 3, 2026, requesting a comprehensive restoration and cleaning strategy for Futala lake. The NMC had already completed the initial phase of its beautification project for Futala, which involved deepening the lakebed and installing recharge shafts. Efforts are also underway to prevent sewage from entering Futala, including the laying of a pipeline in Kashmiri Basti.
Regarding industrial pollution, Shinde clarified that industrial effluents are not directly discharged into the lakes. However, the NMC does take action against residential sewage violations within MIDC zones that drain into these water bodies. Penalties are imposed for waste dumping, and prohibition orders are in effect. The combined sewage treatment capacity of NMC and Nagpur Improvement Trust is 423.5 million litres per day, aiding in reducing untreated sewage flow into the lakes.
