Nagpur, India: Nagpur’s flood control measures are set to improve with the installation of two radial escape gates on the left-side bund of Ambazari Dam, near the Vivekananda statue. The Water Resources Department (WRD) has sanctioned ₹4.4 crore for the project, which aims to regulate water flow without affecting the dam’s catchment area.

The decision comes in response to the devastating floods of 23 September 2023, when an uncontrolled spillway overflow led to severe damage across Nagpur. The new gates, managed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), will help control water levels by releasing excess water between July and September, reducing the risk of future flooding.

To further strengthen flood defences, the WRD, with support from the Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (MERI), has cut 1 metre into the bund, creating a 2-metre buffer. Model tests have confirmed that these modifications will enhance the dam’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall.

A report by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) ruled out the Vivekananda statue as a factor in the 2023 floods, attributing the disaster to exceptionally high rainfall instead.

Although the project initially faced delays due to logistical challenges—such as limited space for heavy vehicles and lower Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rates compared to the Public Works Department (PWD)—officials have assured that the escape gates will be fully operational before the next monsoon. This vital upgrade is expected to provide much-needed flood relief for Nagpur residents.