NMC begin concretization of the river bed
NASHIK :
The long struggle of activists and environmentalists for revival and restoration of biodiversity and 17 natural ponds that were buried under the cement-concrete bed of the river at the Goda ghat finally bore fruit. Work for the removal of concrete from the basin of the water body at Goda ghat has picked up pace yesterday from Dutondya Maruti idol. The work resumed under the smart city project is being widely welcomed by the Goda lovers.
The work has started on the backdrop of PIL filed by activist Devang Jani to make the Godavari river basin free from concretisation and the water body from the rising level of pollution. As many as 17 natural springs of Peshwe-era and which has mythological significance were buried under the river basin due to concretisation work undertaken by the municipal corporation before 2003-04 for the beautification of the Goda ghat. This had destroyed biodiversity existing in the river basin and had stopped the natural flow of water developing out of 17 natural springs.
As per the directions of the court, a survey was conducted on the disappearance of natural ponds at Goda ghat. A tender was issued and accordingly work for the removal of concrete was commenced last year, however, due to the objections raised by some corporators, the work to make the river basin de-concretise was suspended and due to the lockdown, it again got postponed.
Now as the works under the smart city project have got momentum, the de-concretisation work of the river basin has also picked up pace under which concrete will be removed from the river bed and also the steps in the middle of the river basin will be cleared of concrete from the stretch of Dutondya Maruti up to Gadge Maharaj bridge.
In this phase of work, out of the 17 natural ponds, natural springs in ponds of Anamika, Dashashwamegh, Ramgaya, Peshwe and Khandoba are likely to be revived. This will help restore biodiversity and reduce the threat of flash floods.
