The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to conduct a detailed study on sewage pollution affecting approximately 40 semi-urban and village settlements along the Nag River and its tributaries, which are situated outside the civic body’s jurisdiction. This initiative aims to identify effective sanitation solutions for these communities, extending downstream to the river’s confluence with the Kanhan River. The estimated budget for this comprehensive exercise is Rs6.55 crore.
The proposed study of settlements outside NMC boundary is therefore being treated as an additional consultancy assignment.
The consultancy firm said its existing contract under National River Conservation Programme (NRCP), funded through a JICA loan, primarily covers pollution abatement works within Nagpur city limits. The proposal has been submitted by TCME in joint venture with CTI Engineering International Co Pvt Ltd, NJS Engineers India Pvt Ltd and EPTISA Servicios de Ingenieria. The consultancy firm has sought NMC’s approval for a separate contract, stating that the proposed assignment falls outside the scope of its existing JICA-funded consultancy for Nag river pollution abatement project.
Municipal Proposal for Pollution Assessment Under Review
A proposal has been submitted to assess pollution contributions from settlements located downstream of the NMC boundary. This initiative follows recent discussions aimed at understanding the environmental impact of these areas. The civic administration is currently awaiting approval from the municipal commissioner to proceed with this assessment.
The preliminary study, estimated to cost Rs1.84 crore, will include reconnaissance surveys, population assessment, investigations and identification of pollution sources. The detailed engineering study will cost an estimated Rs4.71 crore.
The study will cover an approximate 77km stretch of Nag-Pora river system, extending from NMC boundary to its confluence with Kanhan river, according to the proposal submitted to NMC’s public health engineering (PHE) department. The assignment will be conducted in two stages — a three-month preliminary study followed by a six-month detailed engineering study. The total duration of the exercise is expected to be nine months. The agency will also prioritise settlements and recommend suitable sanitation solutions based on the findings. It will involve preparation of engineering designs, cost estimates, implementation phasing, budgeting and one sample bid document for the proposed sanitation works.