Citizens in Nagpur are calling for swift action on the long-delayed Futala fountain project following a favorable Supreme Court ruling for the state government. The ambitious water feature, conceptualized by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has been stalled due to pending technical repairs that require specialized expertise from France.
Technical Halt and the French Connection
The primary reason for the delay, according to officials, is the need for critical technical work that can only be performed by a specialized French team. This team is scheduled to arrive in Nagpur in January, after the Christmas holidays. While preparatory work like cable inspection and cleaning is currently underway by the executing consortium—Studio One-Khalatkar Construction Consortium in collaboration with MahaMetro—the crucial repairs remain on hold.
Funds for these repairs have already been transferred, and contractors are confident that the fountain will become operational within 20 days of the French specialists' arrival. MahaMetro is the nodal agency for the overall project, while the Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation (NMRCL) is handling the fountain-specific work.
Root Cause of the Setback
The fountain's troubles began even before its inauguration. In May 2023, algae growth caused significant damage to the fountain's wiring system. A subsequent study conducted by former students of the Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT) confirmed that algae and microbes had corroded the cables.
In response, new wiring worth Rs 3 crore was procured from Ahmedabad. Authorities are now implementing special measures to prevent similar bio-damage in the future, ensuring the longevity of the attraction once it is finally unveiled to the public.
Parallel Progress on Futala Parking
In related development, the multi-level parking facility at Futala Lake has also received necessary clearances. This structure is designed to accommodate 1,000 two-wheelers and 700 cars, addressing a key infrastructure need for the area.
The parking project is reportedly 85% complete, with the remaining work progressing at a rapid pace. This progress offers a positive counterpoint to the fountain's delays and indicates broader development momentum in the zone.
MahaMetro's managing director, Shravan Hardikar, provided an updated timeline, stating, "Operations will begin in two months." This statement underscores the administration's commitment to finally delivering the much-anticipated project to Nagpur's residents and visitors, transforming Futala into a premier recreational spot.
