Nagpur's Futala Lake Project Stalls Despite Supreme Court Clearance
Months after the Supreme Court cleared the long-stalled Futala Lake fountain and beautification project, conditions at one of Nagpur's most visible public spaces remain unchanged. Garbage-strewn walkways, algae-choked water, and a glaring lack of basic maintenance continue to define Futala, triggering growing frustration among residents and morning walkers, who say official assurances have once again failed to translate into action.
Court Order Fails to Spark Immediate Action
The court order was expected to remove the final hurdle for the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), and allied agencies to begin execution. Officials had earlier indicated that work would start by January. However, residents said there was no sign of preparatory activity, including desilting, lake cleaning, or the removal of garbage and encroachments.
MahaMetro, in association with a project contractor, has been tasked with reviving Futala. The contractor said cable inspections are currently underway, but key technical work depends on a French team, which is expected to arrive within eight days. Residents, however, angrily questioned whether the French team's presence was required even for basic cleaning of the lake.
Fragmented Jurisdiction Causes Delays
Officials attributed the delay to fragmented jurisdiction. The fountain project falls under the NIT, surrounding public areas under the NMC, parking facilities and the seating gallery under MahaMetro, and the lake itself under the Public Works Department (PWD). The overlapping mandates, they said, have resulted in coordination failures and confusion over routine maintenance.
NIT chairman Sanjay Meena said initial inspections had been completed. Since several agencies were involved, it was mutually decided to transfer full control to MahaMetro. The handover process will be completed by January 30, he told TOI.
Residents Express Frustration and Distrust
Residents said the administrative realignment offered little comfort while basic sanitation remained unaddressed. They pointed out that official plans emphasised fountains, lighting, and cosmetic upgrades, while the lake's ecological condition continued to deteriorate.
If the Supreme Court has cleared the project, what exactly are they waiting for? Do they need another order to clear garbage or clean the water? asked Pranay Gajbhiye, a regular morning walker.
Others said repeated deadlines had eroded public trust. Every year, dates are announced, but nothing changes. Now, even after court clearance, Futala looks the same, said Deepak Menjoge, another resident.
For many citizens, the issue is not about beautification but about intent. Approvals are in place, they said, yet Futala continues to show signs of neglect. Until basic cleaning begins and visible work follows, the court's green signal may remain only on paper, a local said.
Development Versus Conservation Debate Continues
Futala Lake has long been a flashpoint in debates over development versus conservation, with environmental concerns repeatedly raised over large-scale redevelopment plans. With legal obstacles now removed, residents said the administration has little room left for delay. The ongoing neglect highlights broader challenges in urban governance and public project implementation in Nagpur.
