Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari attributed Saturday’s flood in Nagpur to the inability to drain rainwater and the lack of a stormwater drain network. He noted that hundreds of settlements and the border areas of the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) suffered the most damage due to the flood.
Due to the lack of a robust stormwater line network, water accumulated in settlements and houses. Initially, rainwater accumulation was reported in 456 settlements and streets across the city. Relief work is currently being carried out by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Additionally, the District Magistrate’s office has been notified to conduct a survey and panchnama process of the affected areas, which will be done under their guidance.
In an informal discussion with journalists, Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari stated that besides the NMC, agencies like NIT, PWD, and NHAI are also operating in the city. Despite this, the NMC is often held responsible for potholes on their roads as well. He emphasized the need for a stormwater line to properly drain rainwater and mentioned that the NMC is taking necessary steps to address this issue.
When asked about flooding caused by cement roads in many areas, Dr. Chaudhari said that to some extent it is true. He explained that incomplete work on a cement road in Manewada led to water entering people’s houses, but a solution has been found for this issue. Similarly, instructions have been given to ensure proper drainage of rainwater and adjust the road level in Cement Road Phase-4. Experts from VNIT are being consulted for this purpose. Additionally, areas with water-logging issues are being identified and addressed. There are also plans to allocate extra funds to improve the drainage system.
Dr. Chaudhari harshly criticized the irresponsible attitude of NIT, PWD, and NHAI. He pointed out the unfairness of holding the Municipal Corporation accountable for potholes on roads managed by these agencies. Despite this, the Municipal Corporation is working to improve roads for everyone. He highlighted that NIT’s layouts were the most affected by the flood due to the lack of a developed drainage system. The NMC is currently preparing a proposal for the maintenance of major and older drainage lines.
On the steps taken after the flood in Ambazari lake, Dr. Chaudhari said that a large part of the affected areas comes under the jurisdiction of NIT. A lot of correspondence was done by the NMC. Letters were also received from NIT. But work has to be done on the ground and not on paper only. NIT should also under- stand its responsibility and work for the development of the city. Work will not be done by shirking its responsibility.
Regarding the steps taken after the flood in Ambazari Lake, Dr. Chaudhari said that a large part of the affected areas falls under the jurisdiction of NIT. Despite extensive correspondence by the NMC and receiving letters from NIT, he emphasized that actual work needs to be done on the ground, not just on paper. Dr. Chaudhari urged NIT to understand its responsibility and actively contribute to the city’s development, stating that progress cannot be made by shirking responsibilities.