Nagpur: Municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar has directed officials to complete the long-pending retaining wall along the Nag River near St Xavier's School in Pardi at the earliest and expedite all pre-monsoon works.
The wall was damaged during the 2023 floods and is yet to be rebuilt, raising concerns among residents and public representatives as the city prepares for another monsoon season. The commissioner issued the directions during an inspection of the Nehru Nagar zone along with mayor Neeta Thakre.
Inspection of Nag River and Sewage Treatment Plant
Itankar inspected the Nag River stretch and the sewage treatment plant (STP), besides reviewing ongoing development projects and flood-prevention measures in Pardi and Wathoda. The issue of flood protection figured prominently during the visit.
Demand for Retaining Walls in Wathoda
Nehru Nagar zone chairperson Seema Dhomne demanded retaining walls on both sides of the Nag River in Wathoda, warning that overflowing river water could enter nearby residential colonies during intense rainfall.
The delay in reconstructing the damaged wall has drawn criticism, particularly as two monsoons have passed since the September 2023 flash floods. Residents of low-lying localities along the river continue to face the risk of flooding during heavy rain.
Ruling party leader Narendra Borkar, water supply committee chairperson Divya Dhurde, vice-chairman Vijay Zalke and local corporators were present during the inspection.
Traffic Congestion and Encroachment Issues
Apart from reviewing river-related projects, Itankar also examined traffic congestion and encroachment issues in the Nandanwan area. He directed the Enforcement Department to remove encroachments along the busy stretch between Rajendra Chowk and Jagnade Chowk.
Following the directive, officials of the Nehru Nagar zone launched an encroachment removal drive and cleared obstructions along the corridor. Civic officials said the action would help ease traffic movement and reduce bottlenecks on one of east Nagpur's busiest commercial stretches.
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