Why in news?
Futala Lake in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has been in the spotlight due to severe pollution. Unchecked sewage and plastic waste have degraded the lake’s water quality, prompting intervention by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Local authorities have announced measures to divert sewage and revive the lake.
Background
Futala Lake was constructed more than 200 years ago to supply water to the city. Over the decades it became a popular recreational spot. However, urbanisation led to encroachment, littering and discharge of untreated waste. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) faced criticism for failing to stop the inflow of sewage from nearby settlements.
Pollution concerns
- The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board declared the water unfit for bathing due to high levels of contamination. Sewage from the Kashmiri Vasti slum enters the lake through a damaged pipeline.
- Plastic bags, bottles and food waste accumulate along the shore. Dead fish and foul odours have been reported, indicating low dissolved oxygen.
- The NGT directed the NMC to act promptly. Local officials admitted the problem and planned a new diversion pipeline costing around ₹23.6 lakh to channel sewage to a treatment facility.
Restoration efforts
- The NMC plans to revive a musical fountain at the lake to boost tourism. Experts from France are assisting with technical upgrades.
- Environmentalists stress that cosmetic projects will fail unless sewage inflow is stopped. Long‑term solutions include repairing pipelines, setting up sewage treatment plants and enforcing waste segregation.
- Citizen participation in lake cleaning drives and awareness campaigns can help restore the water body’s ecological balance.
Source: Times of India