Submit a time-bound plan for Rs23.6L sewage line at Futala Lake: NGT to NMC

Nagpur: The National Green Tribunal's Western Zone bench recently ordered Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to submit a time-bound plan for a Rs23.63 lakh sewage line at Futala Lake, after the civic body admitted its outdated network failed the growing population and allowed untreated waste inflow.The directives were issued by the divisional bench comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh as judicial member, and Sujit Bajpayee as expert member, while hearing a suo motu petition based on a TOI report of May 25, highlighting neglect and poor maintenance of the iconic city lake. The hearing was adjourned till March 12.Taking cognisance of the issues flagged in the TOI report and a subsequent joint committee inspection, the NGT expanded the scope of the case by ordering the addition of multiple agencies responsible for various aspects of lake management. The State Public Works Department (PWD) was directed to be added as a respondent to address the reconstruction of collapsed and damaged lake walls, as ownership of Futala Lake vests with the department. Notices were issued to the PWD, returnable within 4 weeks.Addressing the sewage issue, NMC admitted that the existing collection network near Futala Lake was extremely old and insufficient. As a corrective measure, it proposed constructing a new sewer line in the Futala slum area, which will prevent untreated sewage from entering the lake. The Tribunal directed NMC to specify a concrete timeline for completion of the project. A joint committee report of November 17, 2025, earlier recommended strict anti-littering measures, provision of a sewage network for Kashimiri Vasti, installation of CCTV cameras, action against unauthorised food stalls and hutments, implementation of the EMP, urgent repair of collapsed walls, and regulation of gaushalas.Similarly, the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and Maha Metro were added as respondents for their role in implementing the Environment Management Plan (EMP) in and around the lake precincts. The NGT bench noted that both agencies are involved in development and infrastructure activities in the area and are therefore responsible for managing waste generated from such projects.In its reply on January 29, NMC informed that it deployed its Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) to conduct regular patrols and impose fines around the lake to prevent littering and dumping of solid waste. However, the Tribunal sought clarity on the legal provisions under which such fines are imposed and directed NMC to file an additional affidavit within 2 weeks detailing the statutory authority for penal action.NMC further claimed that 19 CCTV cameras were installed across the lake premises to monitor activities and deter violations. Warning boards were installed at multiple locations, and Nirmalya Kalash containers were placed to prevent the immersion of floral waste in the water body. The civic body also informed that food stalls on the northern side of the lake engaged a private agency for the collection of leftover food and waste. In addition, it deployed a dedicated team of scavengers to maintain cleanliness in and around the lake.The Tribunal also took serious note of pollution caused by 8 unauthorised gaushalas in the area, where cow dung reportedly mixed with run-off and flowed into the lake. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) was tasked with monitoring compliance and ensuring that periodic action-taken reports are submitted by NMC.