Nagpur: A French agency has taken lead to give facelift to the historic Nag River, the signature river of Orange City. The France Development Agency (AFD) has completed survey of Nag River and submitted Rs 1600 crore master plan of riverfront development to Municipal Commissioner recently. If the civic body implements the beautification project in letter and spirit, Nag Nadi would emerge as one of the major tourism attractions and a treat for picnickers in the city.
Nag River originates from Ambazari Lake’s overflow point of the Orange City and flows from the West to the East following natural slope of the landform to eventually merge with Kanhan River. The length of the river in the city limits is around 17 kms. According to plan, gardens and cycle tracks at eight places along the river front, eight bridges and a heritage walk to reach historic structures would be created.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation has taken up two projects related to rivers in view of conservation of environment. First project is Nag River pollution abatement and the second one is beautification of riverfront. Now, if everything is in place, the actual work is likely to start from February 2019. The total cost of the project is Rs 1,252 crore and Japan’s agency Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has agreed to provide the financial assistance to the tune of 85 per cent cost of the project i.e. Rs 1,064.48 crore on a guarantee of Central and State Governments to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).
The civic body will share remaining 15 percent amount of Rs 187.84 crore. In the 17 km stretch of the river in city limits, attractive gardens will be created at Ambazari Lake premises, Shankar Nagar Square, Sitabuldi, Ashok Square, St Xavier School Square, Prajapati Nagar and the bridge will be constructed at Pardi. The Maha Metro has assured to beautify the premises of Metro Station near Nag Nadi. The heritage walk will be created till Sangameshwar Mandir and Kashibai Mandir situated along the river shores.
Lush greenery in 50 hectares:
According to the proposed project, facelift of 50 hectares of land along the Nag River has been planned. Most of the land will be lush green. The walking track will be set up near Ambazari Lake along with Nag Nadi Information Centre. A variety of flower plants will enhance the beauty of roads leading to the proposed eight gardens. A garbage collection centre will also be set up for the citizens. Facilities for picnickers will be in place from morning to evening. The gardens would be illuminated with dazzling lighting.
Maha Metro to create ‘Walk Way:’
The beauty of Ambazari Lake would get enhance with Swami Vivekanand Smarak and facelift of Nag River. The Smarak has already been constructed. The Maha Metro has assured to build a ‘Walk Way’ between Metro Station situated at the centre of Ambazari and Subhash Nagar
Footbridge near St Xavier School:
A footbridge has been planned along with the beautification of Nag Nadi near St Xavier School in Hiwri Nagar. The footbridge will facilitate the citizens breathe fresh air and enjoy the serene and beautiful surrounding along the river. Similarly, a cycle track along the shores of Nag Nadi at Prajapati Nagar and a footbridge from Bhandewadi Railway Station to Hiwri Nagar have been proposed in the ambitious river beautification project.
