NAGPUR: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has temporarily halted cement concrete road projects worth approximately ₹900 crore amid growing concerns over water scarcity following inadequate rainfall in the district.
The decision affects the fifth phase of the city’s road concretisation programme, postponing several planned infrastructure works to prioritise water conservation.
Initially, 135 roads were selected for the project. However, following proposals from MLAs and corporators, the number of roads was increased to 265. The phase involved plans to concretise roads spanning a total length of approximately 900.22 kilometres.
The civic body has decided to suspend the works for the time being because cement concrete road construction requires substantial quantities of water.
According to the information provided, Nagpur district recorded its lowest rainfall in 18 years this year. Meanwhile, water levels in the dams supplying the region reportedly stand at around 58%, prompting authorities to exercise caution over water consumption.
The administration has also warned of punitive action against the wastage of water as it seeks to manage the available reserves carefully.
The suspension reflects the civic body’s decision to prioritise drinking water supplies and conservation over the immediate execution of the road infrastructure projects. The road works are expected to remain deferred until the water situation permits their resumption.
