Nagpur’s much-awaited Futala Fountain project has faced another delay after experts from France-based Crystal Group postponed their scheduled visit due to the city’s extreme heatwave conditions.
The technical team was expected to arrive on May 20 to supervise restoration work on the advanced floating fountain system at Futala Lake. However, sources said the experts informed Maha Metro officials that they were uncomfortable working outdoors in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius and were concerned about possible health risks caused by the severe heat.
Nagpur has been witnessing intense heatwave conditions over the past several days, with daytime temperatures consistently remaining above 45°C.
Officials now expect the French experts to visit the city after pre-monsoon showers bring some relief from the scorching weather. Their arrival is likely during the first or second week of June.
Crystal Group, known internationally for its patented fountain technologies, is playing a key role in restoring and recalibrating the sophisticated floating fountain infrastructure. Officials said the company’s technical support is crucial for completing the final phase of repairs.
The restoration became necessary after several components of the fountain system were damaged during the prolonged suspension of the project.
According to sources, polluted water in Futala Lake led to microbial growth that damaged specialised submersible power cables and corroded fountain equipment. Nozzle jets were also reportedly clogged due to weeds and contamination inside the lake.
Officials confirmed that the complete consignment of nearly 74,000 metres of eight-core cable required for restarting the project has now been received. The final batch of around 6,000 metres reportedly arrived a few days ago.
The Futala Fountain project is considered one of Nagpur’s major tourist attractions and is promoted as the world’s longest floating fountain, stretching around 155 metres across the lake.
Apart from the floating fountain, the larger Futala development project also includes a floating stage, an artificial banyan tree, a spectators’ gallery and a multi-level parking facility. However, most of these structures remained unused after the project stalled because of legal complications.
The project suffered a major setback in January 2024 when the Supreme Court imposed a status quo order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Nagpur-based NGO Swaccha Association.
Later, in October 2025, a bench headed by Justice Bhushan Gavai lifted the status quo order, allowing authorities to resume restoration work.
Following the legal clearance, officials intensified efforts to repair the damaged infrastructure and revive the attraction ahead of the upcoming tourist season.
Authorities remain hopeful that once the French experts arrive and the technical restoration work is completed, the Futala Fountain project will once again become a major attraction for residents and tourists visiting Nagpur.
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