Nagpur: After keeping it pending for long, the Maharashtra govt released Rs70.76 crore at the last-minute of the last financial year for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for restoration works taken up after the devastating Sept 2023 floods. While civic officials admitted that the funds would be largely used to clear pending contractor bills, with files claiming that most restoration works are completed, the ground situation is alarming — several more retaining walls along the Nag River have collapsed in recent months, exposing the city to another major flood threat. Civic officials said the work on vulnerable stretches is likely to be taken up in the coming weeks. Officials left unanswered the question why were the most critical river protection works not prioritised earlier, especially after the 2023 floods exposed the city’s fragile infrastructure?Officials confirmed that the amount forms the bulk of the Rs72 crore pending from the state govt out of the revised Rs158 crore restoration cost. The civic body initially sought Rs 204.71 crore after large portions of roads, drainage lines, retaining walls of Nag, Pili and Pora rivers and protective structures were damaged during the floods. The state earlier released Rs 86.5 crore, and the latest sanction has now helped the administration avoid a payment crisis at the year-end.Educational institutions, commercial establishments and residential areas along the river are among the most vulnerable if heavy rainfall hits the city again. Not so long ago, huge portions of the protective wall caved in behind Yeshwant Stadium near Sangam Chawl. Similar damage was noticed near Panchsheel Square.Residents living along the riverbanks say that despite repeated complaints, the damaged walls remain unattended, and in some places erosion has continued due to lack of immediate repairs.FLOOD RESTORATION FUNDS: KEY FACTS• State releases Rs70.76 crore on March 31, 2026• Funds part of the pending Rs 72 crore for post-Sept 2023 flood works• NMC originally sought Rs 204.71 crore for restoration• Revised project cost brought down to around Rs158 crore• State earlier released Rs86.5 crore• Latest funds to be used to clear contractor duesSTILL AT RISK• Retaining walls along the Nag River damaged at several locations• Fresh collapses reported near Yeshwant Stadium (Sangam Chawl backside)• Damage also reported near Panchsheel Square• Residential areas, schools and commercial establishments remain vulnerable ahead of monsoon
