Is the Flood Situation in East Vidarbha Under Control?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis assures control over flooding.
- NDRF and SDRF are prepared for rescue operations.
- Citizens advised to take precautions due to heavy rainfall.
- Schools in Nagpur district closed as a safety measure.
- Criticism over unimplemented flood management plans.
Mumbai, July 9 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Maharashtra Assembly that the recent heavy rains have led to flooding in East Vidarbha, however, the situation is currently stable as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on standby for any emergencies.
The Chief Minister addressed a question from Congress legislator Nana Patole regarding the heavy rainfall and flooding in Nagpur and nearby districts.
He mentioned that some passengers were stranded in an ST bus due to the flooding but were relocated to a nearby school, ensuring they returned home safely.
“The road from Gadchiroli to Nagpur (Armori) is currently closed, though traffic is flowing smoothly on alternate routes. All residents up to Gadchiroli have been advised to stay vigilant due to water being released from the Gosikhurd Dam. Water has pooled in the lower areas of Nagpur city, and the appropriate agencies are overseeing this, with rescue operations ongoing. Reports indicate that one individual has been swept away in the flooding. SDRF and NDRF are prepared to conduct relief and rescue operations,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also noted that an orange alert remains in effect for Nagpur district, with relevant agencies closely monitoring the situation. He urged the citizens of Nagpur district to take necessary precautions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Nagpur and Wardha districts. In response to this weather warning, local authorities declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Nagpur district on Wednesday, July 9, as a safety measure.
Several state highways in the district have been closed due to flooding, with numerous roads in various talukas becoming impassable.
Meanwhile, Congress legislator Vikas Thakre criticized the state government for failing to implement adequate measures to address the flooding situation in Nagpur city and its surroundings.
He recalled numerous promises made by the state government following the severe floods in September 2023, which affected thousands of homes in Nagpur.
Afterward, former Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari proposed a comprehensive drainage plan for Nagpur and its surroundings. They also announced the establishment of an effluent and sewage treatment facility at Wadi to prevent untreated sewage from entering Ambazari Lake.
However, Thakre asserted that these announcements have yet to be acted upon, stating that had they been implemented, much of the damage from the heavy rains and flooding could have been mitigated.