Nagpur: While thousands of residents in south and south-west Nagpur continue to struggle with battered roads, traffic bottlenecks and dust caused by the ongoing Amrut 2.0 sewerage works, the city is now staring at another massive underground infrastructure project that could further test public patience.The proposed Rs1,927 crore Nag River Pollution Abatement Project, centred on laying interceptor sewers along the Nag River, Pili River and Bor Nullah, is moving towards the execution stage. Union minister Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to review the project on Aug 9 along with guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior officials. Issues related to rehabilitation of affected citizens, execution challenges and measures to minimise road excavation are expected to figure prominently in the meeting.Over the past two years, Amrut 2.0 sewerage works have left several stretches across south and south-west Nagpur dug up for months. Roads in localities such as Pratap Nagar, Narendra Nagar, Manish Nagar, Rameshwari and adjoining areas have repeatedly witnessed damaged carriageways, uneven surfaces, traffic diversions and delays in restoration.Residents have complained that prolonged excavation has not only slowed traffic but also damaged existing road infrastructure and increased the risk of accidents, particularly during the monsoon.Civic officials now appear conscious that the Nag River project could present an even bigger execution challenge. The interceptor sewer network will involve extensive underground utility shifting, construction of pumping stations and laying of long stretches of sewer lines parallel to the city’s river system. The Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Ltd (NSSCDCL) has already started a detailed ground survey to identify affected properties, encroachments, utility crossings and land requirements before tenders are floated.Unlike conventional sewer projects, the river rejuvenation scheme cuts across multiple agencies and densely developed urban corridors, making coordination crucial. The administration is examining the use of advanced underground tunnelling technology to reduce surface excavation and is also considering a comprehensive utility management policy for future infrastructure works. If NMC implements hi-tech methods to carry out the work, the cost of the project would increase significantly.INFOBOXNo repeat, pleaseWith the road in front of Somalwar Nikalas High School dug for Amrut works, thousands of students were trapped in a flood during the July 28 downpour. Many roads across the city have suffered similar prolonged excavation.
