Nagpur: Nearly 5,000 houses, shanties and other structures located along the Nag River could face demolition as part of the proposed Nag River Pollution Abatement Project. Structures falling within roughly 15 metres of the river, particularly unauthorised settlements and slum structures, are likely to be affected.
The potential displacement came to light after a survey conducted by Tata Consulting Engineers, the Project Management Consultant (PMC) for the project. The issue was discussed at a recent meeting attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) to identify suitable land to rehabilitate families that may be affected.
At the same time, officials have been asked to explore alternative technologies and construction methods that could reduce the number of structures requiring demolition.
Survey Identifies Nearly 5,000 Structures
The NMC had appointed Tata Consulting Engineers to survey structures along the Nag River and assess the requirements of the pollution abatement project.
The survey identified approximately 5,000 houses, shanties and other structures that could potentially come within the project’s alignment.
Officials associated with the Smart City project have now been asked to verify the survey findings by cross-checking the alignment and locations of the identified structures.
Further decisions on demolition and rehabilitation are expected after the verification report is submitted.
Underground Sewer Line May Reduce Displacement
Officials are considering whether the proposed 170-km outfall sewer network can be laid 15 to 20 metres underground using suitable technology.
If technically feasible, the underground option could substantially reduce the impact on residential structures along the river.
The proposed sewer system would include a main line running along the Nag and Pili rivers, with smaller connecting sewer lines feeding into it. The objective is to stop untreated sewage from entering the two rivers.
Another option under consideration is to construct the sewer line along only one side of the river, potentially reducing the number of structures affected.
Six Months for Verification and Tender Process
Smart City officials will verify the Tata Consulting Engineers survey before the project moves ahead.
According to officials, the process of verifying the alignment, incorporating suitable new technology and preparing the tender could take around six months.
Actual implementation of the project is expected to begin only after these steps are completed.
₹1,926.99-Crore Nag River Project
The ₹1,926.99-crore Nag River Pollution Abatement Project has received administrative approval under the National River Conservation Plan.
The State Environment and Climate Change Department approved the project on March 3, 2025.
The NMC had earlier submitted a much larger ₹22,412.34-crore proposal to the Central Government for the project.
Key Works Under the Project
459.5 km of new sewer lines, including replacement of existing main and connecting sewer lines.
110.9 km of new secondary sewer network.
Replacement of 137 km of existing sewer lines.
Creation of 102 MLD of additional sewage treatment capacity.
A 12 MLD sewage treatment plant at VNIT.
A 35 MLD sewage treatment plant at Morbhavan.
A 45 MLD sewage treatment plant at Andhra Colony.
Upgradation of the existing 5 MLD sewage treatment plants at Mokshadham and Mankapur.
Installation of solar panels at sewage treatment plants.
River Cleanup vs Rehabilitation
The project is aimed at preventing untreated sewage from flowing into the Nag and Pili rivers and improving the city’s river environment.
However, the possibility of nearly 5,000 families and other occupants being affected has raised concerns over displacement and rehabilitation.
The ongoing verification of the survey, along with the examination of underground sewer technology and alternative alignments, will determine how much demolition is ultimately required.
Officials are now attempting to balance the project’s environmental objectives with the need to minimise displacement and protect existing settlements.
