Home / Environment / Nagpur's Futala Lake in Crisis: NGT Orders Municipal Action
Nagpur's Futala Lake in Crisis: NGT Orders Municipal Action
6 Aug
Summary
- NGT grants NMC 4 weeks to file reply on Futala Lake's deteriorating condition
- MPCB inspection finds plastic litter, solid waste dumping, and water unsuitable for bathing
- NMC required to submit detailed reply-affidavit, including response to MPCB findings
On August 7, 2025, the western bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken action to address the worsening environmental state of Futala Lake in Nagpur. The tribunal has granted the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) a 4-week deadline to file a detailed reply-affidavit in the suo motu proceedings initiated by the NGT.
The case was brought to the NGT's attention after the tribunal took cognizance of a media report highlighting the lake's deteriorating condition. During the first hearing on the matter, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) submitted an affidavit detailing its findings from a July 14, 2025 inspection. The MPCB report noted significant plastic litter around the lake premises and a substantial amount of solid waste dumped near the entrance. Water quality tests also revealed that the lake water was unsuitable for outdoor bathing.
Following these concerning findings, the MPCB had written to the NMC on June 30, 2025, seeking remedial action, but the civic body had not responded. Now, the NGT has directed the NMC to not only file its own detailed reply-affidavit within 4 weeks but also to submit a rejoinder addressing the MPCB's report. The Central Pollution Control Board, the primary respondent in the case, has also been instructed to provide its reply to the NMC counsel within 2 days, allowing the municipal corporation to file a further rejoinder if necessary.
The NGT has scheduled the next hearing on this matter for September 4, 2025, emphasizing the urgency to address the environmental degradation of Futala Lake.
