The long-promised revival of the Nag River once projected as a transformative urban clean-up project remains stalled in layers of approvals and administrative delays, nearly five years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone. Despite a ₹500 crore allocation and final clearance in October 2021 for pollution abatement works covering the Nag, Pili and Borenala rivers, not a single millilitre of river water has been purified so far.
Originally proposed in 2007, the plan was redrafted multiple times due to funding constraints before receiving approval from the National River Conservation Directorate in 2019. However, files continue to move between Delhi, Mumbai and even Japan, as clearances from JICA, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran and pollution control authorities remain entangled in procedural formalities.
Land acquisition has emerged as another major hurdle. Proposed sewage treatment plants (STPs) including 12 MLD at VNIT, 35 MLD at Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth and 45 MLD near Nara Ghat were delayed due to reluctance in land transfer. Officials now claim VNIT land clearance has been secured.
The project, structured in five phases including diversion works, STPs, desilting and riverfront development, has seen only one package awarded so far, while others remain under tender or design stages.
Funded through a Japan-assisted loan with 60% central, 25% state and 15% Nagpur Municipal Corporation contribution, authorities claim work will gain pace in 2026 though for many residents, the “mega project” remains a distant promise.
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