Two years have passed since the September 23, 2023 floods, when Nagpur was hit by over 300 mm of rain in less than 12 hours. The deluge submerged entire colonies, marooned thousands, and caused losses worth crores. Yet, residents say both relief and flood-control projects remain incomplete.
Colonies such as Corporation Colony, Ambazari Layout, Trimurti Nagar, and Manish Nagar were among the worst-hit. Families recall water rushing into homes within minutes, valuables destroyed, and long nights spent in darkness before rescue teams arrived. Businesses too faced crippling losses. Many shopkeepers who lost goods worth lakhs received only ?10,000 immediate aid, which survivors call grossly inadequate.
Official estimates put the damage in Ambazari alone at 25,000 homes and ?234 crore. But most families received only token relief. The state had promised up to ?5 lakh compensation for business losses, but residents say payments were delayed and partial.
In February 2024, the government sanctioned ?204.72 crore for nullah desilting, road repairs, and flood-control projects, along with a ?266.63 crore drainage plan. However, only ?86.63 crore has actually been released. Of the five pumping stations announced, just one is functional. Retaining wall works along Ambazari, Nag, and Pili rivers are stalled.
On Sunday evening, Corporation Colony residents held a candlelight vigil, demanding funds be released and works completed. For them, September 23 remains a reminder that the disaster was not only natural, but man-made through neglect and delay.
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