National Green Tribunal Mandates Sewage Solution for Nagpur's Futala Lake
The National Green Tribunal's Western Zone bench has issued a decisive order to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, compelling the civic body to submit a detailed, time-bound action plan for the construction of a Rs23.63 lakh sewage line at the iconic Futala Lake. This directive comes after NMC openly acknowledged that its outdated and inadequate sewage network has failed to keep pace with the city's growing population, resulting in the continuous inflow of untreated waste into the lake.
Expanded Scope and Agency Accountability
The divisional bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh as judicial member and Sujit Bajpayee as expert member, issued these orders while hearing a suo motu petition initiated based on a Times of India report from May 25, which highlighted severe neglect and poor maintenance of the lake. The hearing has been adjourned until March 12 for further proceedings.
Taking cognizance of the issues raised in the TOI report and a subsequent joint committee inspection, the NGT significantly expanded the scope of the case by ordering the inclusion of multiple agencies responsible for various aspects of lake management. The State Public Works Department has been directed to be added as a respondent to address the reconstruction of collapsed and damaged lake walls, as ownership of Futala Lake officially vests with the PWD. Notices have been issued to the PWD, returnable within four weeks.
Admission of Infrastructure Failure and Proposed Corrective Measures
In addressing the critical sewage issue, NMC admitted that the existing collection network near Futala Lake is extremely old and insufficient to handle current demands. As a corrective measure, the corporation proposed constructing a new sewer line in the Futala slum area, which is expected to prevent untreated sewage from entering the lake. The Tribunal has directed NMC to specify a concrete and realistic timeline for the completion of this essential project.
A joint committee report dated November 17, 2025, had earlier recommended a comprehensive set of measures to restore the lake's health. These recommendations include:
- Implementation of strict anti-littering measures
- Provision of a dedicated sewage network for Kashimiri Vasti
- Installation of CCTV cameras for surveillance
- Action against unauthorised food stalls and hutments
- Execution of the Environment Management Plan
- Urgent repair of collapsed lake walls
- Regulation of gaushalas operating in the vicinity
Additional Agencies Held Accountable
Similarly, the Nagpur Improvement Trust and Maha Metro have been added as respondents for their role in implementing the Environment Management Plan in and around the lake precincts. The NGT bench noted that both agencies are actively involved in development and infrastructure activities in the area and are therefore responsible for managing the waste generated from such projects, ensuring it does not contribute to the lake's pollution.
Current Cleanliness Efforts and Regulatory Scrutiny
In its reply submitted on January 29, NMC informed the Tribunal that it has deployed its Nuisance Detection Squad 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 two weeks, detailing the statutory authority for these penal actions.
NMC further claimed that 19 CCTV cameras have been installed across the lake premises to monitor activities and deter violations. Warning boards have been placed at multiple locations, and Nirmalya Kalash containers have been positioned to prevent the immersion of floral waste in the water body. The civic body also stated that food stalls on the northern side of the lake have engaged a private agency for the collection of leftover food and waste. Additionally, a dedicated team of scavengers has been deployed to maintain cleanliness in and around the lake.
Addressing Pollution from Unauthorised Gaushalas
The Tribunal took serious note of pollution caused by eight unauthorised gaushalas in the area, where cow dung reportedly mixes with run-off and flows directly into the lake. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has been tasked with monitoring compliance and ensuring that periodic action-taken reports are submitted by NMC regarding this issue. This move underscores the NGT's comprehensive approach to tackling all sources of contamination affecting Futala Lake's ecosystem.
