The ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict has delayed the much-awaited revival of the Futala fountain project, as the French technical team is unable to travel to India, officials said.
The project, conceptualised by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, was revived after a ruling by the Supreme Court of India cleared legal hurdles. However, the advanced fountain system can be made operational only after critical repairs, which require inspection by a team of experts from France. Officials from MahaMetro and the contractor said the timeline for the team’s visit remains uncertain due to the conflict.
The fountain, envisioned as a major tourist attraction with a musical fountain, light displays and a laser multimedia show, was built at a cost of around Rs.50 crore. However, it malfunctioned even before its scheduled inauguration in May 2023, mainly due to cable damage caused by algae accumulation.
Subsequent inspections, including those by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, confirmed the need for extensive repairs. Authorities estimate restoration costs to exceed Rs.10 crore. New wiring has already been transported to Nagpur, and preparatory work is underway near the lake.
While major technical repairs are still pending, local work has resumed. Khadatkar Construction Studio One, the contractor, has begun preliminary activities such as planning cable replacement and beautifying the surrounding area. “The remaining repair work will only proceed after the French team arrives,” officials said.
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