Lake Revival: Citizens Unite to Save Pandhrabodi

Pandhrabodi Lake, a formerly significant urban water body in Nagpur, is now drastically reduced to a small pond. Years of encroachment, littering, and unchecked waste disposal have led to its severe deterioration.

To combat this decline, the local volunteer group 'Nagpur Ploggers' has initiated 'Mission Save Pandhrabodi Lake'. This campaign recently saw around 100 citizens participate in a major clean-up drive.

In its initial phase, volunteers successfully removed over 500 kilograms of plastic, garbage, and various other forms of waste from the lake's premises. This effort underscores the urgent need for conservation and the growing public willingness to engage in environmental protection.

Suraj Shrivastava of Nagpur Ploggers noted that previous restoration attempts by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) had not resolved the persistent issues. The NMC supported the recent drive by providing essential supplies like gunny bags and gloves. The campaign aims to continue over the coming weeks, encouraging broader public involvement.

Shrivastava also cited the loss of natural rainwater inflows due to urban development and encroachments as a significant factor in the lake's ecological decline, stating that natural channels have vanished over time. Beyond waste removal, the initiative seeks to foster long-term conservation and raise awareness about protecting Nagpur's disappearing urban lakes through sustained citizen action.