Drone survey ordered after joint inspection with MPCB at Gorewada Lake

Nagpur: Amid allegations of polluted water supply from Gorewada Lake, NMC commissioner Vipin Itankar on Tuesday ordered a drone survey and fresh sampling following a joint inspection with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials.The visit focused on a stream emerging from the Dabha sewage treatment plant (STP) and flowing towards the Gorewada forest area. MPCB officials collected samples to assess contamination levels. While preliminary observations did not indicate an alarming situation, the civic chief directed Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) officials to carry out a detailed drone survey of the stream's entire course and collect samples from three locations for further analysis.The inspection followed complaints from corporators regarding water quality linked to Gorewada Lake. The commissioner visited key sites, including Vayusena Nagar, Dabha STP, Gorewada forest area, Gorewada Lake, and several water treatment plants supplying the city.At the 5 MLD Dabha STP, only 2 MLD of sewage is currently being treated, raising concerns over underutilisation. At Vayusena Nagar, construction of a weir to divert sewage into the sewer network was reviewed, with NIT officials assuring completion within 15 days. Authorities also ordered strict action against residents discharging sewage into drains despite having sewer connections.At Gorewada Lake, officials reiterated that it is no longer a primary water source and is used only during emergencies, such as disruptions in supply from Navegaon Khairi. The lake depends on rainwater and pumped inflows, with a storage capacity of about seven days.Test reports of raw water from both Gorewada and Navegaon Khairi were examined and found to be within permissible limits under national standards. Officials maintained that supplied water undergoes multiple stages of purification, including aeration, filtration, and disinfection, before distribution.