Encroachment Waste Threatens Gorewada Forest Ecosystem The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has reportedly transformed the ecologically sensitive Gorewada forest belt into an informal dumping ground for materials seized during anti-encroachment operations, sparking alarm among residents and environmental activists. The controversy arises as the civic body intensifies its efforts to remove illegal structures and debris from public spaces, but instead of proper disposal, much of the waste is being dumped near the Gorewada forest and its adjacent lake. A visit by The Times of India (TOI) revealed large heaps of debris, torn banners, rusted metal structures, plastic waste, damaged kiosks, construction materials, and discarded furniture scattered across open land near the forest. Some of the waste lay dangerously close to dense vegetation and walking paths used by residents, raising fears of soil contamination and ecological damage. The issue is compounded by existing allegations that the NMC’s public health engineering department has been releasing untreated sewage into Gorewada Lake, further intensifying scrutiny of the corporation’s environmental practices. Congress corporator Shailesh Pande has submitted a memorandum to municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, objecting to the dumping activity. He warned that continued waste disposal in the area could irreparably harm the fragile ecosystem surrounding Gorewada, which serves as a habitat for wildlife and is frequented by nature enthusiasts. Environmental experts have cautioned that non-biodegradable materials like plastic and flex banners could harm local biodiversity and contaminate water bodies during the monsoon season.#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #gorewada_forest #shailesh_pande
Nagpur Municipal Corporation Faces Criticism for Dumping Waste Near Gorewada Forest The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has come under scrutiny for allegedly transforming the ecologically sensitive Gorewada forest belt into an informal dumping ground for materials seized during anti-encroachment operations. Residents and environmental activists have raised alarms over the practice, which they claim threatens the fragile ecosystem of the area. The controversy has intensified as the civic body continues its aggressive anti-encroachment drives across the city, leading to the removal of large quantities of confiscated items such as illegal hoardings, roadside stalls, tin sheds, kiosks, iron frames, and scrap. However, instead of being processed or disposed of through proper channels, much of this waste is reportedly being dumped near the Gorewada forest and its adjacent lake, sparking fears of environmental degradation. A ground visit by The Times of India (TOI) revealed extensive debris scattered across open land near the forest, including torn flex banners, rusted metal structures, plastic waste, damaged kiosks, construction debris, and discarded furniture. In several locations, the waste was found dangerously close to dense vegetation and walking paths used by residents. Some materials appeared to have remained in the area for days, raising concerns about soil contamination and the potential for long-term ecological damage. Environmental experts warned that non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic and flex materials, could harm local biodiversity and eventually pollute water bodies during the monsoon season. Activists also expressed fears that the dumping could encourage further illegal disposal of garbage, gradually turning the forest edge into a permanent waste site.#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #gorewada_forest #shailesh_pande
