Nag River

The Nag River flows through the Nagpur city in Maharashtra. The river is the main reason for the city to take the name “Nagpur”. The river is a part of the Kanhan-Pench river system.

About Nag River

The Nag River originates in Lava Hills. The exact starting point of the river is the Ambazari lake. River Pilli is the major tributary of Nag River. The end point of Nag River is the point where is confluences with the Kanhan River.

Nag River System

It confluences the Pioli rivers in Pawagaon. And it joins the Pora river in Titur. Then the Nag River joins the Kanhan river in Sawangi village. The river is currently serving as a drainage for the Nagpur residents and is thus heavily polluted. The ecosystem of the river is highly damaged due to the urban waste from Nagpur.

Nag River Rejuvenation

The Nag River Rejuvenation was cleared in 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,434 crores. Earlier it was Rs 1,476 crores. The escalation in project estimate was due to delays in approvals and also due to GST. The share of the central government in the project is 60%. The share of the state government is 25% and the remaining is to be shared by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. The Japan International Cooperation Agency is to approve the long-standing loan of centre and state. The Nag River Rejuvenation also includes the rejuvenation of Pioli River.

2020 Bombay High Court Judgement

In July 2020, the Bombay High Court ruled that the Nag River has become extremely polluted due to urbanisation and industrialisation.

Nag River Revitalisation Project

In October 2021, the Nag River revitalisation project was approved by the Union Cabinet. The project was proposed by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari. Around Rs 2,117 crores has been allocated to the project. The project was given a deadline of eight years. Under the project, sewage lines and sewage treatment plants are to be created under the project. The JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency) is to disburse the loans to implement the project. The project was approved under the National River Conservation Plan. The project is to be implemented by the National River Conservation Directorate. The project will mainly reduce the pollution level in the river. This is to be achieved by reducing the untreated sewage, solid waste and other impurities flowing into the Nag River.