Ambazari Lake Reservoir (Nagpur)

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Nagpur: The Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute, an expert in embankments, dams and works under water resources department (WRD), has said that the life of 145-year-old Ambazari Lake embankment has expired. It has suggested the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to take up safety measures immediately. The civic body is sitting pretty leaving safety works to Mahametro which is yet to undertake any such works on the embankment.
Activist Shahid Sharif has obtained documents related to Mahametro works on the embankment under the Right To Information (RTI) Act. One of the documents is a letter of MERI sent to municipal commissioner Ashwin Mudgal on August 16.
The team of MERI and Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) inspected the site on request of Mahametro and NMC, who sought technical opinion on Metro Rail works being executed on and at the toe of embankment,
In the letter, MERI said, "Mahametro constructed nine of total 17 piers adjoining the embankment. There are residential areas, roads and now Metro Rail's corridor within 200m radius of the embankment. No technical hurdles are caused due to Metro Rail works. Embankment's life has expired and NMC created hazard potential at this place. NMC has to take care that no danger to residential areas, roads and Metro Rail corridor in case breach/destruction to the embankment."
MERI added that the NMC has to take up works for safety of the embankment. "All trees and shrubs grown on the embankment should be immediately cleared as it may cause breach. Works suggested by Dam Safety Organization (DSO), Nashik and VIDC should be taken up," MERI said.