The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has initiated a comprehensive operation to remove water hyacinth from the historic Ambazari Lake, facing a tight deadline before the monsoon season. Civic officials warned that failure to clear the invasive weed could obstruct water flow into the Nag River and elevate flood risks.
Inspection and Deadline
Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar inspected the ongoing drive on Saturday and announced a one-month deadline to remove most of the weed cover. "Our immediate priority is to remove the weeds before the monsoon. If we fail, the weeds can block the outlet towards the Nag River and worsen flooding," he stated.
Mayor Neeta Thakre, along with standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare and other committee chairpersons including Divya Dhurde, Darshani Dhawad, Mangala Khekare, and Manisha Atkare, visited the lake to review the progress.
Progress and Equipment
Ambazari Lake, spanning 65 acres, was nearly entirely covered by water hyacinth until a few months ago. Itankar reported that approximately 40% of the lake has now been cleared through an intensive mechanised operation involving seven Poclain machines, 10 JCBs, 20 tipper trucks, and a weed harvester. "Around 1.3 lakh tons of weed have been removed, and our drive is still underway," he said.
Currently, one weed-harvesting machine is operational, with a second machine expected shortly through CSR support from Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). Officials hope this will significantly accelerate the cleanup.
Restoration Vision
The restoration effort is part of a larger plan to revive one of Nagpur's most iconic water bodies. Itankar emphasised that the administration aims to transform Ambazari into a clean and vibrant urban lake. "Our aim is that people should eventually be able to swim in the lake again," he said, adding that eco-tourism initiatives such as a cycling track along the western edge are being planned.
The commissioner also directed officials to explore newer technologies for weed removal. This followed a suggestion by corporator Yogesh Pachpore to install a conveyor belt system for faster extraction. Chief sanitation officer Gajendra Mahalle informed that the mechanical department has prepared a ₹40 lakh estimate for the proposal.
Challenges and Solutions
One major challenge is the discharge of nearly 11 MLD of untreated sewage from Wadi. However, a sewage treatment plant nearing completion is expected to become operational within two months, ensuring only treated water enters the lake.
The next phase will focus on desilting the lakebed, for which a dedicated machine will be procured. Authorities also plan to secure the defunct Jack Well premises to prevent accidents.
Mayor's Directive
Mayor Thakre directed the administration to expedite the weed-removal operation given the approaching monsoon. "The work is progressing, but it must be expedited. Ambazari is a historic lake and an important part of Nagpur's identity," she said.
Thakre noted that the restoration drive is a key component of the Environment Conservation Fortnight being observed from June 5 to June 21. Civic officials, employees, environmental organisations, NGOs, and citizens have joined hands in the campaign.
For nearly one-and-a-half months, teams have been working continuously to remove water hyacinth. "The results are now visible. This is not merely a cleanliness drive but an effort to restore and preserve one of the city's most valuable natural assets," she concluded.
