The Swami Vivekananda Memorial near Ambazari Dam has been officially cleared of blame in last year’s devastating floods in Nagpur. According to a detailed report by the Central Water and Power Research Institute (CWPRS), the structure did not block water flow or contribute to the rising flood levels on September 23, 2023.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) submitted an affidavit to the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, citing these findings. The court had taken up the matter following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the aftermath of the floods. The technical report was based on a physical model study by CWPRS, which confirmed that the memorial did not affect water discharge patterns from Ambazari Dam. The civic authorities have now requested the Urban Development Department to regularise the Vivekananda Memorial in light of the report. A formal request was also sent to the Irrigation Department to exempt the structure from earlier government restrictions related to construction near water bodies. A final decision on this is still awaited from the State Government.
In the affidavit, the NMC clarified that the Ambazari Dam, which is over 250 years old, is under its care and maintenance. Under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, several upgrades have been undertaken to prevent future risks. A project worth ₹21.07 crore is currently underway to strengthen and beautify the dam. Three of its four phases have been completed, and new flood escape gates are being installed by the Irrigation Department. However, a shortage of qualified engineers in the NMC’s newly formed Dam Safety Unit has delayed further action. Officials have approached the State Dam Safety Organisation seeking expert assistance, but no response has come so far.
The High Court is expected to take up the matter further after evaluating the NMC’s submission.
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