#public_works_department

Water Drips on Audience at Vasantrao Deshpande Hall Months After ₹6.3 Crore Facelift A performance at the newly renovated Vasantrao Deshpande Hall in Nagpur’s Civil Lines was disrupted on August 22 when water began dripping onto the audience during a play, raising concerns about the waterproofing quality of the cultural landmark. The hall, which underwent a ₹6.3 crore facelift by the Public Works Department (PWD) and reopened in April, faced criticism as the issue emerged just months after its completion. Shruti Naranje, an architect appointed by the PWD to oversee the project, confirmed that the cause of the seepage had not yet been identified. She stated that during her inspection, the team could not pinpoint the source of the water, though some waterproofing work had been completed before the monsoon season. Naranje noted that gaps along the corners of the roof had been sealed with asphalt tar, but the roof itself belonged to the old structure. The redevelopment had covered the previous GI-sheet ceiling with puff panels, which she claimed should prevent water ingress. However, she speculated that the issue might stem from internal leakage, possibly related to ducting systems, though this remains an assumption. Naranje added that the Mumbai-based main contractor had been informed of the incident and was expected to visit Nagpur the following week to assess the situation. “Once they arrive, we will find out exactly what is happening. If there is any issue that can be resolved, we will resolve it,” she said. PWD officials, however, offered an alternative explanation. According to sources, the liquid might not have been rainwater but could have originated from the air-conditioning ducting system.#public_works_department #vasantrao_deshpande_hall #shruti_naranje #mumbai_based_main_contractor #prashant_pustode

Tar Patches Return on Nagpur’s Cement Inner Ring Road, Sparking Safety Concerns Nagpur’s 40km Inner Ring Road, originally constructed as a cement-concrete highway, is facing renewed safety and durability concerns due to the reappearance of tar patches on its surface. The Public Works Department (PWD) has resorted to temporary tar-based repairs near Sugat Nagar Square, prompting criticism from residents and experts who warn that such patchwork is inadequate for long-term use. The repairs, described as a stopgap measure, have raised questions about the road’s structural integrity and the risks posed to motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders. The Inner Ring Road, designed to ease traffic congestion in Nagpur, has developed cracks and damaged sections over time. Instead of addressing these issues with permanent solutions, the PWD has opted for temporary tar patches, which experts say are prone to deterioration under heavy traffic. These patches, they argue, create uneven surfaces that can lead to skidding, especially during rainy conditions or at night. Residents like Satish Yadav, a Jaripatka resident, have highlighted the dangers, stating that tar patches often rub off, leaving hazardous uneven areas. Motorists using the Narendra Nagar-Mhalgi Nagar stretch via Manewada have also criticized the recurring repairs, demanding proper restoration of the road. PWD deputy engineer Ashish Kurve acknowledged the temporary nature of the repairs, explaining that the tar patch near Sugat Nagar Square is a short-term fix pending the completion of a tender process. He noted that the defect liability period for the road has expired, forcing the department to undertake repairs without the benefit of extended warranties.#nagpur #public_works_department #inner_ring_road #sugat_nagar_square #ashish_kurve

HC Questions Civic Taxes Amid City’s Flooding Woes The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday sharply criticized the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for its failure to address recurring waterlogging issues across the city, questioning the purpose of collecting civic taxes when basic services remain inadequate. The court, comprising Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Nivedita Mehta, expressed frustration over the NMC’s inability to provide effective solutions, stating that citizens pay taxes for civic amenities but continue to face damaged roads, waterlogged streets, and flooded homes. The remarks came during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Janmanch president Rajiv Jagtap, represented by counsels Parvez Mirza and Mrunall Chakravorty. The court scrutinized conflicting affidavits submitted by the NMC and the Public Works Department (PWD). The NMC attributed waterlogging near Somalwar School to the ongoing World Bank-funded stormwater drainage project, while claiming maintenance of the Narendra Nagar railway underbridge was the PWD’s responsibility. The PWD, however, asserted that the Padole Square-Somalwar School road fell under the NMC’s jurisdiction. The bench criticized both departments for shifting blame, emphasizing that assigning responsibility would not resolve the crisis. It directed the NMC to submit a comprehensive action plan by August 11 to address waterlogging on city roads permanently and requested the PWD to file an independent proposal. The court also raised concerns about persistent flooding at the Narendra Nagar railway underbridge. After the PWD sought to involve the railway administration, the court approved the request and mandated that the Railways be added as a respondent.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #rajiv_jagtap #janmanch

Besa-Pipla NP ‘ignores’ PWD warning, nullah bridges flooded Nagpur: Torrential rain on Tuesday brought the arterial Besa-Ghoghli Road to a standstill as roads near nullah crossings were submerged under near waist-high water, stranding motorists and disrupting traffic for hours. Locals blamed decorative embankments built by the Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat for the flooding, claiming the Public Works Department (PWD) had repeatedly warned the local body about their consequences. The worst flooding occurred around nullah bridges, where overflowing stormwater spilled onto roads after being unable to flow freely through the nullahs. Several stretches resembled streams as vehicles crawled through the fast-moving water. The Public Works Department had earlier cautioned the Nagar Panchayat that the decorative embankments along the bridges were obstructing the natural flow of stormwater. According to the department, the structures reduced the discharge capacity of the nullahs and could trigger waterlogging during intense rain. Despite these warnings, the embankments remained in place. Defending the structures, Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat vice-president Naresh Bhoyar stated that the embankments were designed with outlets to allow water to pass through. However, he acknowledged that waste and debris carried by the water clogged the outlets, leading to waterlogging. Bhoyar assured that the Nagar Panchayat would intensify nullah cleaning to prevent such blockages from recurring. Nagar Panchayat chief officer Bharat Nandanwar attributed the flooding primarily to the low height of the bridges rather than the embankments. He explained that even after cleaning and desilting the nullahs, flooding remained a possibility during heavy rain.#public_works_department #besa_pipla_nagar_panchayat #bharat_nandanwar #nullah_bridges #naresh_bhoyar

Temporary fix at Manish Nagar T-Point fails to withstand rains Residents of Manish Nagar, Besa, and Beltarodi in Nagpur are expressing frustration over the Public Works Department’s (PWD) repeated attempts to repair the Manish Nagar T-Point, a critical junction connecting these rapidly developing residential areas. The PWD’s temporary fixes, which involve patching potholes with bitumen, have failed to withstand even light rainfall, leading to the resurfacing of damage within days. The junction, which sees heavy traffic throughout the day, has become a recurring source of complaints due to its deteriorating condition. The T-Point’s approach roads from all three directions have been concretised and paved with interlocking blocks, but the central area remains only partially treated with bitumen. This mismatch has left the repaired surface vulnerable to monsoon rains and the weight of heavy vehicles, causing the bitumen to peel off and expose potholes. Locals describe the situation as a “yearly ritual,” where temporary fixes are applied repeatedly without addressing the root issue. Rajesh Wankhede, a resident of Manish Nagar, highlighted the frustration, stating, “Instead of a permanent solution, we only get temporary fixes.” Neha Deshmukh, a resident of Besa, added that the deteriorating road poses a serious safety risk, particularly for two-wheelers. “Potholes filled with rainwater are hardly visible, making it extremely dangerous for riders,” she said. Motorists also noted that traffic congestion worsens during peak hours when the road’s condition deteriorates, further complicating daily commutes. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the issue, but the situation remains unchanged each monsoon season.#times_of_india #public_works_department #manish_nagar #besa #beltarodi

Rain Puts Brakes On City’s Mega Infra Projects Nagpur’s ambitious infrastructure projects have faced significant setbacks due to relentless rainfall, with several key developments grinding to a halt. The city’s construction teams are struggling to meet tight deadlines as monsoon conditions disrupt critical phases of work. Officials warn that prolonged rain could force delays in multiple projects, particularly those scheduled for completion before the monsoon season ends. The Indora-Dighori flyover project, a Rs998-crore initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion, is among the most affected. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working on two flyovers—one connecting Kamal Chowk to Reshimbagh Square and the other linking Bhande Plot Square to Dighori Naka. However, continuous rain has severely impacted the construction of the reinforced earth (RE) retaining wall near Daga Hospital. A senior NHAI official told The Times of India that the project, already racing against a tight August deadline, faces hurdles due to the weather. While non-weather-dependent tasks continue, the rain has created significant obstacles. The RBI Square–Automotive Square road concretisation project, valued at Rs150 crore, has also come to a standstill. Engineers stated that fresh concrete cannot be laid during continuous rain, forcing the contractor to suspend operations. A Public Works Department (PWD) official noted that work has been halted for two days, with concreting efforts impossible under the current conditions. The official added that pothole repairs are now planned for nighttime to minimize water exposure in the concrete mix. Labourers have also raised concerns about working in heavy rain, further complicating operations.#nagpur #the_times_of_india #public_works_department #national_highways_authority_of_india #indoradighori_flyover

Centre Approves Rs 16.92 Crore for Nagpur Bench Heritage Building Restoration, High Court Seeks Detailed Affidavit The Centre has approved Rs 16.92 crore for the restoration of the historic building housing the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, as revealed during a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) hearing. The high court, which initiated the PIL after assessing the deteriorating condition of the century-old heritage structure, was orally informed that the Centre had cleared half of the proposed Rs 30-crore budget for the conservation project. The approval was announced during a hearing presided over by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode. The court directed the Centre and the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit detailing the statutory provisions, government resolutions, and procedural framework governing the sanction and release of the funds. It also sought clarification on whether the approved amount would be disbursed in phases and the timeline for disbursement. The bench emphasized the need for transparency, requiring authorities to submit the complete details through a sworn affidavit for the next hearing. The PIL was initiated by the high court itself after noting the poor condition of the heritage building, which is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) guidelines. The ASI had previously stated that all conservation work must strictly adhere to its heritage conservation norms. Initially, the restoration work was entrusted to the Public Works Department (PWD), but the court’s intervention has shifted the focus to ensuring compliance with heritage preservation standards.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #public_works_department #archaeological_survey_of_india #centre

Pratap Nagar Woes: Taps Dry, Road Waterlogged, Residents Fume Over Civic Apathy Residents of Pratap Nagar in Nagpur have expressed outrage over a prolonged civic neglect crisis that has left their neighborhood in disarray. For three days, hundreds of households faced a severe water shortage after a critical water pipeline was damaged during ongoing Public Works Department (PWD) road construction. Despite the disruption, thousands of liters of water continued to flow into the excavated road area, exacerbating the residents’ frustration. The situation has turned their locality into a construction nightmare, with daily life disrupted, traffic crippled, and a growing sense of civic apathy among the community. The affected stretch of road has been under excavation for nearly one-and-a-half years, with the project supposedly entering its final stage as reported by The Times of India on February 26. However, residents claim little progress has been made since then. In a formal letter addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, members of the Pratap Nagar Residents’ Group sought immediate intervention, highlighting that the locality falls within his South-West Nagpur Assembly constituency. A copy of the letter was also submitted to mayor Neeta Thakre. The residents allege that the pipeline damage occurred during the road work, cutting off water supply to the Pratap Nagar New Water Tank area in Ward 36. Repeated complaints from residents have reportedly met with minimal response. Orange City Water (OCW) officials were accused of downplaying the issue, with the letter stating that repair efforts were merely dewatering operations rather than restoring water supply. “For three days, residents have been left without drinking water.#nagpur #devendra_fadnavis #public_works_department #neeta_thakre #pratap_nagar

PWD Picks Traffic Island Model For Besa Sq, Nixes Roundabout The Public Works Department (PWD) has finalized a redesign plan for Besa Square in Nagpur, opting for a traffic-island model instead of the landscaped roundabout initially proposed by the Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat. Officials confirmed the revamped junction will be completed by August 15, contingent on the completion of utility-shifting work. The project includes replacing an aging water pipeline beneath the intersection, a task expected to take about a month. Construction of the redesigned junction will commence once the pipeline work is finalized. The PWD’s decision to prioritize traffic islands over the Nagar Panchayat’s roundabout proposal was based on the junction’s heavy traffic volume and the need to minimize congestion during construction. A PWD official explained that Besa Square will feature concrete paving blocks and small traffic and pedestrian islands designed to streamline left-turn movements while allowing through traffic to flow unhindered. This approach contrasts with the proposed designs for Bajaj Nagar and Kachipura squares, which included decorative stone blocks and a circular roundabout. The Nagar Panchayat had initially suggested a landscaped roundabout with a bust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other beautification elements. However, the PWD rejected the proposal, citing space constraints and visibility concerns. A senior PWD official emphasized that the department would execute the project independently, stating that the Nagar Panchayat’s roundabout idea was deemed infeasible at the congested junction. The official highlighted that a roundabout would obstruct visibility and impede traffic movement at one of the city’s busiest intersections. “We cannot block the road for a month.#nagpur #public_works_department #chhatrapati_shivaji_maharaj #nagar_panchayat #besa_square

BRICS Meet Glam-Up: Nagpur Gets Stopgap Facelift Ahead Of VIP Visits Nagpur: With the BRICS transport ministers' meeting beginning on Thursday, authorities have launched a frantic citywide beautification drive, addressing potholes, repairing streetlights, repainting road dividers, washing statues, and clearing neglected areas. Citizens have noted the repetition of this effort, recalling a similar campaign ahead of the C20 Summit hosted by the city three years ago. Over the past few days, civic agencies have intensified efforts along routes designated for BRICS delegates. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has removed encroachments, cleaned medians, trimmed overgrown vegetation, washed murals, and landscaped junctions, while damaged roads are being patched amid ongoing monsoon conditions. The Public Works Department (PWD) has prioritized emergency repairs on stretches including bitumen patchwork on service roads along Wardha Road. MahaMetro has repainted faded dividers on Wardha Road and washed Metro piers despite heavy rainfall. Residents have expressed frustration at the irony of the situation. "Potholes that troubled commuters for weeks are being attended to overnight. Streetlights that remained non-functional despite complaints are suddenly illuminated," remarked Anjali Tambat, a citizen. She criticized the temporary nature of the improvements, suggesting that the city’s infrastructure should be maintained regularly rather than only during high-profile events. "If this is what it takes, we would request ministers and VIPs to visit Nagpur every six months so that we get facilities that we, as taxpayers, are already paying for," she said. Other citizens echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the inconsistency in municipal priorities.#nagpur #nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #brics #mahametro

Bitumen Spit & Polish On Cracked Cement Road The Nagpur-based Public Works Department (PWD) has undertaken a last-minute repair of a cracked stretch of cement concrete (CC) road on Wardha Road near Khapri, ahead of the BRICS Transport Ministers' Summit. The decision to lay layers of bitumen over the damaged pavement has sparked local skepticism, with residents questioning the rationale behind using temporary asphalt fixes for a road constructed at significant cost and intended to last decades. The work, carried out amid heavy monsoon rains, is part of a broader effort to prepare key roads leading to summit venues, including the approach road to a hotel in Khapri near Mihan, where several high-profile meetings are scheduled. According to officials from the National Highways Division of the PWD, the repair was an emergency measure undertaken just days before the summit, as the monsoon season intensified. The officials admitted that reconstructing the damaged concrete pavement during the rainy period was not feasible. A senior PWD official told The Times of India that the road’s deterioration stemmed from two primary challenges: the presence of black cotton soil beneath sections of the pavement, which compromises structural stability, and the absence of an effective drainage system, which allows water to accumulate beneath the road surface. The repair work has drawn criticism from locals, who argue that the road’s condition highlights systemic issues in infrastructure maintenance. The PWD’s decision to prioritize temporary fixes over long-term reconstruction has raised concerns about the durability of the solution.#nagpur #times_of_india #public_works_department #khapri #brics_transport_ministers_summit

Pwd Moves Ahead, MahaMetro Stalls Central Avenue Project Six months after the foundation stone was laid for two road concretisation projects worth Rs150 crore each, their implementation has taken sharply different trajectories. While the Public Works Department (PWD) has begun ground work on the RBI Square–Automotive Square corridor, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) is yet to award the tender for the Central Avenue concretisation and footpath redevelopment project. Union minister Nitin Gadkari performed the bhoomipuja for both projects on December 15 last year, projecting them as key infrastructure upgrades to improve road quality, traffic flow, and pedestrian facilities. Despite being announced on the same day, the two projects have progressed at markedly different speeds. The PWD project involves constructing a 6.14-km cement concrete road from RBI Square to Automotive Square Metro Station along the old National Highway-44 on the Nagpur-Jabalpur route. This includes building a four-lane carriageway, modern stormwater drainage systems, and other civic infrastructure. Work has already commenced, with the department reporting progress on site. The second project, however, remains stalled at the tendering stage. It aims to white-top a 6.1-km stretch of Central Avenue from Poddareshwar Ram Mandir to Prajapati Nagar (Pardi), alongside redeveloping footpaths and creating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The delay in the Central Avenue project has pushed its timeline back by several months. PWD entrusted MahaMetro with executing the project due to the agency’s experience in urban infrastructure works.#nitin_gadkari #nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #maharashtra_legislative_council #mahametro

BMC Suspends Four, NMC Yet To Fix Accountability A 60-year-old woman was electrocuted in a rainwater puddle in Nagpur after a damaged underground streetlight cable left the area in a hazardous condition. Despite allegations that the incident stemmed from faulty infrastructure, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has yet to take action against any officials or contractors involved, unlike Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which swiftly suspended four officials following a similar fatal incident. The stark contrast in responses has drawn renewed scrutiny of the NMC’s handling of civic failures. The BMC’s swift action came after a 60-year-old man died during drain maintenance work in Sakinaka on July 2. The civic body suspended four officials within 24 hours, pending an inquiry, highlighting its immediate response to the tragedy. In contrast, the NMC’s delayed reaction to the electrocution case has raised concerns about accountability. NMC chief engineer Leena Upadhey confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered, with an electrical inspector from the state’s Public Works Department tasked to investigate the incident. However, she emphasized that further action would depend on the findings of the probe. The NMC’s approach has sparked criticism, with critics arguing that its reliance on post-incident inquiries without prompt accountability has become a recurring pattern. In 2024, a 24-year-old man died after poor restoration work left a road unsafe, prompting the NMC to promise stricter enforcement against contractors. Yet, allegations of negligent restoration continue to surface, suggesting that these assurances have not translated into meaningful action.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #brihanmumbai_municipal_corporation #leena_upadhey #nmc_chief_engineer

One good spell of rain exposes ugly monsoon planning at city infra sites A heavy downpour in Nagpur on Wednesday night revealed severe shortcomings in the city’s infrastructure planning and monsoon preparedness, exposing unsafe conditions at multiple ongoing construction sites. The 70mm rainfall, the first significant shower of the season, turned roads into waterlogged hazards, exposed poorly barricaded excavations, and left commuters navigating muddy diversions and unstable surfaces. The incident has sparked criticism of the city’s infrastructure management, as multiple government agencies simultaneously work on large-scale projects, including flyovers, underpasses, drainage networks, and road expansions. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Public Works Department (PWD), MahaRail, MahaMetro, Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are all involved in these projects. However, the monsoon rains exposed a lack of coordination and inadequate temporary drainage systems, leaving roads and construction sites vulnerable to flooding. TOI’s investigation found that many under-construction roads were submerged or turned into muddy tracks, with temporary diversions becoming slippery and excavated areas posing risks to pedestrians and vehicles. In East Nagpur, MahaRail’s flyover construction sites faced severe challenges as waterlogged approaches and unstable soil made parts of the project nearly impassable. Similarly, the NMC’s Amrut 2.0 drainage project, aimed at improving South Nagpur’s infrastructure, left roads excavated for pipeline installation turned into slushy, hazardous zones.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nagpur_improvement_trust #public_works_department #maha_metro #maha_rail

HC Seeks Urgent ASI Nod for Rs19 Crore Revival of Historic Court Building The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to expedite its decision on a Rs19 crore proposal for the conservation and restoration of the historic Old High Court Building in Civil Lines. The court, presided over by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, emphasized the need for an urgent response, setting a deadline of July 6 for further proceedings. The directive came during a hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the deteriorating condition of the 19th-century heritage structure, which is considered one of Nagpur’s most iconic judicial landmarks. Ashutosh Dharmadhikari was appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter. The revised conservation plan, jointly prepared by the ASI and the Public Works Department (PWD), was submitted after a detailed review meeting mandated by earlier court orders. ASI counsel Mugdha Chandurkar informed the bench that the proposal would now be forwarded to the ASI director general in New Delhi for final approval. The court ordered the ASI chief to provide a decision within seven days, underscoring the urgency of preserving the heritage site. Initially, the PWD had proposed a restoration plan costing nearly Rs30 crore. However, the ASI informed the court that the building, classified as a protected heritage monument, required adherence to strict conservation norms and archaeological preservation guidelines. This necessitated a revised estimate, leading to the current Rs19 crore proposal.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #public_works_department #archaeological_survey_of_india #old_high_court_building

Maharashtra Govt Approves ₹165.62-Cr Family Court Building in Nagpur The Maharashtra government has granted fresh administrative approval for the construction of a new Family Court building in Nagpur, with the project now estimated at ₹165.62 crore, significantly higher than the initial ₹43.42 crore proposed in November 2022. A government resolution (GR) issued by the law and judiciary department on June 15 cleared the plan for a basement with parking and a nine-storey structure housing 18 court halls, replacing the earlier approval. The revised proposal was submitted by the Bombay High Court following updated cost estimates. The project, located at Civil Lines behind Suyog Bhavan, aims to enhance infrastructure for handling family dispute cases. The Public Works Department (PWD) will execute the construction, with the complex planned to have a built-up area of approximately 24,598 square meters. The design includes court halls, judicial chambers, and allied facilities such as electrical and fire-fighting systems, lifts, air-conditioning, LAN and EPABX networks, water supply, sanitation, furniture, boundary walls, gates, landscaping, and parking. The government has imposed strict conditions for the project’s execution, requiring architectural and layout plans to be approved by competent authorities and obtaining clearances from relevant agencies. Compliance with environmental norms and public works guidelines is mandatory. The GR explicitly prohibits any deviation from the approved scope, emphasizing that any changes or additions must undergo prior approval under prescribed procedures to prevent further revisions. This ensures the project adheres to the revised budget and specifications.#nagpur #bombay_high_court #public_works_department #civil_lines #maharashtra_govt

Plastic Bottles Choke Trimurti Nagar Drain, PWD Forced To Dig Up Damaged Pipeline Residents of Trimurti Nagar in Nagpur faced a severe drainage crisis after hundreds of plastic bottles and household waste blocked a major underground drain along the Inner Ring Road. The blockage, which persisted for nearly two weeks, led to overflowing wastewater and stagnant pools on roads, creating unhygienic conditions and posing health risks such as mosquito breeding and waterborne diseases. The issue was finally addressed by the Public Works Department (PWD) after repeated complaints from locals. During a visit by The Times of India, reporters observed stagnant water and plastic debris floating in the drainage channel. In one section, the road had caved in due to the pressure from trapped water beneath the damaged pipeline. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) teams initially attempted to de-clog the drain but found it completely packed with waste. Officials confirmed that the affected stretch of the drainage line falls under PWD jurisdiction as it runs along the Inner Ring Road. The PWD officials inspected the site and stated that de-clogging alone would not resolve the issue. The drainage line, constructed under the Integrated Road Development Programme (IRDP), had a 50–60 metre section entirely blocked, restricting water flow. Heavy rains had exacerbated the problem, building up pressure inside the drain and damaging parts of the pipeline. An official noted that mechanical cleaning would not suffice to fix the damage. To address the crisis, the PWD has decided to excavate the affected area, remove the damaged pipeline, and clear the blockage. A new pipe will be installed and connected to an existing underground chamber.#nagpur #nagpur_municipal_corporation #public_works_department #inner_ring_road #trimurti_nagar

Complaints Surge 43% After Nmc’s Elected Body Returns The return of elected representatives to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) after four years of administrator rule has not alleviated citizens’ civic grievances, with public complaints surging by over 43% since the General Body resumed operations in early 2026. Official data reveals that between January 1 and June 4, 2026, the civic body received 23,444 complaints, compared to 16,362 during the same period in 2025 under administrator oversight. This sharp rise underscores persistent challenges in municipal service delivery despite repeated assurances of improved governance. Sanitation emerged as the primary source of complaints, with the health sanitation department witnessing a nearly 69% increase in grievances. In 2025, the department recorded 7,018 complaints, which jumped to 11,851 in 2026. The surge highlights unresolved issues such as inadequate garbage collection, roadside cleanliness, overflowing bins, and waste disposal problems. Other departments also saw significant spikes: electrical complaints rose from 1,472 to 2,448, water works complaints increased from 1,301 to 1,684, and public works grievances climbed from 1,881 to 2,319. Encroachment-related complaints also rose by 131, from 943 to 1,074. The data raises concerns about the effectiveness of civic service delivery under the restored elected governance. While residents anticipated greater accountability with corporators back in charge, the volume of complaints suggests that routine issues remain unaddressed across departments. The sanitation department, in particular, struggled with timely grievance resolution.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #public_works_department #sanitation_department #electrical_department

Former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai Vindicates Decision to Recommend Bombay High Court Judges for Supreme Court Nagpur: Former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai, speaking at the inauguration of a mural of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the renovated Central Hall at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, defended his controversial decision to recommend judges from the Bombay High Court for elevation to the Supreme Court. Despite facing criticism for his stance, Gavai asserted that his choice to appoint Justice AS Chandurkar to the Supreme Court had been vindicated by the judge’s performance over the past year. “Looking back, the decision I took was correct. That has been proved over the past year. Justice Chandurkar has demonstrated through his work that the decision was perfectly justified,” Gavai stated. The former CJI highlighted the significance of the Dr Ambedkar mural, describing it as a constant reminder of the constitutional values and ideals championed by the Dalit leader. He also recalled President Rajendra Prasad’s praise for Ambedkar’s role in drafting the Indian Constitution. Gavai further commended the Public Works Department (PWD) for its efforts in renovating the judicial infrastructure, emphasizing that while government agencies often face criticism, their contributions should also be acknowledged. Reflecting on his tenure as a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, Gavai recounted a meeting with then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during which the government swiftly approved funding for judicial infrastructure projects. “At one such meeting, we informed him 26 crore was required for renovation. He sanctioned the funds within minutes,” he said.#devendra_fadnavis #bombay_high_court #public_works_department #dr_babasaheb_ambedkar #bhushan_gavai

Taps Run Dry In Besa Housing Society For Past 7 Days Residents of the Besa Housing Society near Besa-Pipla Road in Nagpur have faced a severe water crisis for the past seven days, marking the fourth such disruption in just two months. The prolonged absence of water has left families struggling to cope with extreme summer temperatures that have soared to 44°C. Without access to municipal supply, households have resorted to hiring private water tankers, with nearly 37 to 38 tankers arranged within a week at a cost of Rs1,300 to Rs1,500 each. The financial burden has intensified residents’ distress, especially as they continue to pay regular taxes despite repeated failures in service delivery. Many households have implemented strict water rationing measures, cutting back on essential usage and adjusting daily routines to conserve resources. In some cases, families have crowded into single rooms to operate a single cooler for limited hours, aiming to reduce both water and electricity consumption. Residents attribute the recurring water shortages to ongoing road construction work in the area, which they claim has frequently damaged underground pipelines. The lack of proper pipeline blueprints has exacerbated the problem, leading to accidental breakages and prolonged disruptions. Dhananjay Bhoyar, a resident, highlighted the challenges, stating that pipeline damage in nearby areas often results in water supply being diverted, leaving their community without access for days. “We only realize the extent of the problem after making repeated calls. For the past week, we’ve had to arrange tankers ourselves. Despite urging everyone to conserve water, the situation has become extremely difficult.#nagpur #public_works_department #mukesh_kale #besa_housing_society #dhananjay_bhoyar