NAGPUR: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is all set to begin the actual work of desilting the Nag riverbed from Thursday. Looking at the enthusiasm among citizens for the campaign, mayor Anil Sole has appealed them to join hands for creating awareness and not to enter into the river for desilting work, which will be carried out for 13 more days.

Sole said there are various reasons why citizens should abstain from entering the river. "Coming in contact with the sewage in the river may cause health hazard. One cannot also rule out snakes and insects in the river water. Representatives of NGOs and social organizations should be present between 7am and 9am to interact with the citizens and for cleaning the banks under the project Shram daan. This will be followed by NMC's work which will continue up to 1pm. NMC has engaged 200 workers with safety equipment for each of the six stretches. Poclain machines will be engaged for the desilting work. Tippers will be used to transport the silt to other locations," he said.

According to the plan prepared by the civic chief Shyam Wardhane, the campaign's core group comprising five senior NMC officials Prakash Urade, Dr Milind Ganvir, Mohammed Israil, NB Shrikhande and Dr Ashok Urkude will monitor the works. The group of officials will also work on diverting the sewage flow at places where it is possible to do so. Bhoomipujan programmes for some of the proposed sewage treatment plants will be performed during the campaign. The retaining walls along few stretches will be also repaired in this period. Saplings will be planted along the banks.

A number of hoardings have been erected across the city for creating awareness about the campaign. A slew of meetings have been planned to pursue the proposals submitted to the government. Two proposals - Rs126 crore Nag river rejuvenation plan and Rs1,329 crore sewage system and treatment plants- are pending with the Centre.

Wardhane has also engaged NGOs for the six stretches. The leader of ruling party Praveen Datke too formed group of corporators for every stretch.

Many organizations have planned their own programmes to mark the campaign. Some sports associations will organize marathon along the river. Sole has urged interested citizens and organizations to hold cultural programmes like kavi sammelans, talks, public meetings, painting of river's retaining walls etc.