Nagpur: Taking a stern view of environmental degradation of Nagpur’s iconic lakes, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Pune Bench, has pulled up the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) over alleged negligence in the maintenance and conservation of the historic Futala Lake, while the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has initiated stringent action against industries polluting Ambazari Lake.
NGT seeks answers from NMC, makes Metro and NIT respondents
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Feb 10th, 2026 - Time 11.45Hrs
During the hearing on Futala Lake, the NGT questioned the functioning of NMC and expressed concern over the deteriorating condition and fading aesthetic value of the lake. The civic body informed the tribunal that a Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) has been deployed to prevent garbage dumping around the lake and that violators would be fined.
However, the tribunal sought clarity on the legal provisions under which fines would be imposed, directing NMC to file an additional affidavit within two weeks, clearly explaining the statutory backing for such action.
Recognising the seriousness of the matter, the NGT ordered that Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and Maha Metro be added as respondents. The tribunal observed that these agencies are responsible for implementing the environment management plan in the lake area and managing waste generated due to infrastructure activities. The Public Works Department (PWD) has also been made a respondent to fix accountability for the repair of damaged retaining walls around the lake.
Measures to prevent pollution at Futala Lake
The NMC informed the tribunal about multiple steps being taken to curb pollution and encroachments at Futala Lake:
• A sewer line project worth Rs 23.63 lakh has been proposed to stop sewage from Kashmiri Basti from entering the lake. The NGT has sought a clear timeline for completion of the project.
• 19 CCTV cameras have been installed in the lake premises to monitor dumping and encroachments.
• A special cleanliness drive is underway, along with the installation of ‘Nirmalya Kalash’ for the scientific disposal of religious waste.
• The tribunal also took serious note of eight illegal cattle sheds in the vicinity, from where cow dung is flowing into the lake, deteriorating water quality. The NGT has directed the MPCB to regularly monitor and report on action taken by NMC against these illegal establishments.
Action against polluting companies at Ambazari Lake
In a parallel development, the MPCB has launched a major crackdown to protect Ambazari Lake from industrial pollution, following repeated complaints and sustained follow-up by MLC Parinay Fuke. Fuke had consistently raised the issue of rising pollution levels, foul smell, contaminated water and its adverse impact on public health and the environment, including during Assembly sessions.
Acting on these complaints, a special MPCB team inspected industries, with a specific focus on whether effluent treatment plants (ETPs) were operational and compliant with environmental norms.
Notices issued to violators
The inspection revealed serious violations, prompting MPCB to issue notices to several prominent industries in MIDC Hingna, including:
• M/s Agro Energy Industries
• Kataria Agro Pvt. Ltd.
• ACC Limited
• RDC Concrete India Pvt. Ltd.
• SS Infratech
• Goldcreate Infra Products
• Nagpur Agro
The pollution control board has initiated the process of penal action against these units for violating environmental norms.
Threat to health and ecology
MPCB investigations have confirmed that the discharge of industrial effluents and sewage into Ambazari Lake is causing significant harm to aquatic life and posing a serious health risk to nearby residents. The board has warned that strict enforcement will continue and that no leniency will be shown to violators in future.
Taking the matter further, MLC Parinay Fuke has also written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking decisive government-level intervention and strict punishment for those responsible for polluting the lake.
