Political Row Erupts Over Gorewada Lake Water; Congress and BJP Trade Charges

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Nagpur: A political row has erupted in the city over the water quality of Gorewada Lake, bringing Congress and BJP face to face. Congress corporator Shailesh Pandey alleged that sewage water is mixing into Gorewada Lake and that the same water, after treatment, is being supplied to citizens.

Rejecting the allegations, Municipal Water Supply Committee Chairperson Divya Dhurde termed them baseless and misleading. Citing technical reports, she stated that the water in Gorewada Lake is completely clean and free from any sewage or contaminated inflow.

Following the allegations, Chairperson Divya Dhurde, along with Deputy Chairperson Vijay (Pintu) Jhalke, Superintending Engineer Dr. Shweta Banerjee, and Executive Engineer Shrikant Waikar, conducted an inspection of Gorewada Lake as well as the Pench-I, II, and III water treatment plants. Officials clarified during the inspection that the claim of sewage inflow into the lake is completely false and lacks any scientific basis.

According to the evaluation report, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level in the water was found to be less than 2.0 mg/L, indicating very clean water, while sewage typically records BOD levels between 200–600 mg/L. The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) level was recorded at only 15 mg/L, well below the permissible limit and showing no signs of chemical contamination. Ammonia levels were found to be zero, confirming that no sewage inflow is occurring into the lake.

The report further stated that the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level in the water is balanced, and the presence of fish indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The pH level was recorded at 8.27 and TDS at 198 mg/L, both within standard limits and indicating safe water quality.

During the inspection, the Chairperson also confirmed that water from Gorewada Lake is currently not being supplied and is being reserved only for emergency situations. Water samples have been collected and sent for detailed testing.

What Were the Allegations by Pandey?
Congress corporator Shailesh Pandey had earlier raised serious allegations against the Municipal Corporation, claiming that contaminated water was being treated and supplied to citizens. He alleged that water from Gorewada Lake is used when required, but sewage water is also entering the lake, leading to contaminated water reaching treatment plants and eventually citizens. He had also raised this issue during the Municipal Corporation general body meeting held on March 20, alleging that incorrect information was presented in the house by officials.

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