Navegaon dam gates opened, still city faces water shortage

Nagpur: In an urgent move to tackle the city's water shortage, the minor irrigation department (WRD) opened two gates of the Navegaon Khairi dam at 3pm on Friday, releasing 30 cusecs (73MLD) into the Kanhan river. However, the breach near the 10 km chainage of right bank canal (RBC) remains unrepaired, restricting full flow of water.

The breach forced closure of RBC gates leading to a 10–15 MLD shortfall at Kanhan water treatment plant (WTP) and disrupting water supply in the city. Despite the latest release, water supply remains critical, especially in Lakadganj, Satranjipura, and Nehru Nagar zones.

Areas like Bharatwada, Kalamna, Subhan Nagar, Mini Mata Nagar, Bhandewadi, Lakadganj I & II, Babulban, and Pardi I & II in Lakadganj zone, along with Shanti Nagar, Wanjri, & Kalamna in Satranjipura zone, & Nandanvan, Tajbagh, Kharbi, Sakkardara, & Wathoda in Nehru Nagar zone are facing limited water supply.

NMC and Orange City Water (OCW) earlier enhanced the overall city water supply from 720 to 740 MLD to meet rising summer demand. However, the ongoing breach, combined with frequent tripping at key WTPs, has worsened the crisis. Many households are receiving water for barely two hours daily.