Nagpur: What began as a likely choked drainage channel in Godhni's Suman Nagari area has now turned into a sprawling pool of stagnant sewage water, with residents alleging that years of neglect by authorities have pushed the locality towards an environmental and public health crisis. Spread across an open patch beside residential homes, the foul-smelling black water resembles a sewage pond, with sludge, waste and contaminated water lying stagnant for months.
Residents claim the drainage channel and nullah in the area got blocked, causing sewage water to continuously accumulate instead of flowing out. "The drainage channel got completely choked, and since there was no outlet left, the sewage water kept accumulating here for months until the entire area turned into a stagnant black pool," said resident Dilip Rana, pointing towards the stretch of stagnant black water cutting through the locality.
"The stench has become unbearable and the sewage water has remained stagnant here for so long that we now fear it is slowly seeping underground. Over time, it will mix with the groundwater and eventually contaminate nearby wells, borewells and even drinking water sources used by residents," another resident, on the condition of anonymity, added.
Locals alleged that the issue has persisted for nearly two years, worsening steadily with every passing season. During monsoon, the accumulated sewage reportedly spreads further into nearby areas, while in summers the unbearable stench and mosquito menace make life difficult for residents. The bigger fear now, residents claim, is what lies beneath the surface. With the contaminated water remaining stagnant for prolonged periods, locals suspect seepage into the ground has already begun, potentially threatening underground water sources used by nearby households.
Residents alleged that repeated verbal complaints were made to the Nagar Panchayat and concerned civic authorities, but no permanent solution has been initiated so far. The site now paints a grim picture — stagnant black sewage water standing motionless near homes, contaminated sludge settling into the soil, and residents forced to live beside what they describe as a "mini sewage lake".
Locals have demanded immediate intervention, including drainage clearance, restoration of the blocked channel and groundwater testing before the contamination spreads deeper into residential water sources. Corporator Jyoti Kondekar told TOI, "We are aware of the issue and cleaning work has already been initiated. I will also personally visit the spot at the earliest to review the situation and ensure the problem is resolved promptly."
