With the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, June 4, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to recommence a slew of development projects that were on hold for the past 81 days due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The MCC, which came into effect on March 16, had temporarily halted these initiatives.
Infrastructure Projects in Nagpur to Resume Post-MCC Lift
Pora River Pollution Abatement Project:
This major initiative, valued at Rs 874 crore, aims to clean and restore a 12km stretch of the Pora River. Although funded by both State and Central Governments and sanctioned on March 3 by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari, the project faced delays due to contract award issues before the MCC took effect. Work orders are expected to be issued by the end of June, with a targeted completion period of two years.
KG to PG University in South Nagpur:
The educational project, operated by Narsee Monjee in Wathoda, also faced delays as contractors couldn’t submit necessary bank guarantees before the MCC was enforced.
Laying of Sewer Lines:
A total of 417km of sewer lines will be laid, with 253km allocated for Laxmi Nagar, Hanuman Nagar, Dhantoli zones, and parts of Nehru Nagar zone. The remaining 164km will serve the Hudkeshwar-Narsala area.
Road Infrastructure Projects:
This includes the asphaltation of tar roads, the concretization of roads, and various segments of the Orange City Street project.
Nandigram Project:
Aimed at eradicating the stray cattle menace, this project is also set to move forward.
The implementation of the MCC notably affected infrastructure works, particularly drainage and sewer lines. Information from the NMC’s DPDC cell indicates that projects worth Rs 84 crore were stalled due to the MCC, posing a significant risk for areas in south and south-west Nagpur during the monsoon season due to incomplete drainage works.
With the MCC now lifted, the NMC can expedite the issuance of work orders and mobilize contractors to resume and complete the stalled projects. The NMC is optimistic about meeting the revised deadlines and mitigating the delays caused by the MCC. The recommencement of these projects is expected to enhance the city’s infrastructure, improve public health conditions, and contribute to Nagpur’s overall development, ensuring better services and facilities for its residents.