NMC marks final phase of Naik Talao clean-up drive

Nagpur: With the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) Satranjipura zone floating a Rs 83,070 tender for the removal of remaining "paankanda" (aquatic weeds) from Naik Talao in Prabhag No. 20, the month-long lake restoration exercise spearheaded by Central Nagpur MLA Pravin Datke has entered its final phase.The historic lake in central Nagpur, which only weeks ago was buried under dense layers of water hyacinth, floating garbage, and blackened stagnant water, has now undergone a visible transformation. Large stretches of open water have reappeared, significantly improving both the appearance and environmental condition of the lake.According to residents, the clean-up operation was initiated following growing complaints of foul smell, mosquito breeding, and worsening pollution in the lake. The invasive weed growth nearly engulfed the lake surface, raising concerns about oxygen depletion and danger to aquatic life.To tackle the problem, around 40 to 50 specialised labourers from Uttar Pradesh — many experienced in cleaning stretches of the Ganga river — were brought in for the operation. Using three to four boats and multiple heavy-duty nets, teams worked continuously for nearly a month to remove water hyacinth, sludge and floating waste.Several truckloads of weeds and garbage were extracted from the talao during the campaign. Residents said the difference is now clearly visible, with cleaner water surfaces and reduced stench bringing relief to people living nearby. Besides this, the NMC has succeeded in plugging 38 untreated sewerage lines flowing directly into the pond.The latest NMC tender is now expected to focus on clearing the few remaining patches of aquatic weeds and residual waste still visible along certain edges of the lake. Locals believe the civic body's involvement at this stage could help ensure sustained maintenance of the restored water body.Citizens have meanwhile urged NMC to introduce permanent safeguards, including preventing sewage inflow and carrying out periodic desilting and weed removal, so that Naik Talao does not once again slip into neglect.