Nagpur: The much-awaited restart of the iconic Futala Fountain project in Nagpur has been delayed once again after a team from France-based Crystal Group postponed its scheduled visit due to the ongoing extreme heatwave conditions in the city.
According to sources, the Crystal Group experts were expected to arrive in Nagpur on May 20 to oversee critical restoration work on the advanced floating fountain system. However, the team informed Maha Metro officials that they were not accustomed to working in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius and feared health risks if they carried out outdoor work during the severe heat.
Nagpur has been witnessing intense heatwave conditions over the past several days, with daytime temperatures consistently hovering above 45°C.
The French technical team has now reportedly decided to visit the city only after pre-monsoon showers bring some relief from the scorching temperatures. Officials expect the experts to arrive during the first or second week of June.
The Crystal Group, known globally for its patented fountain technologies, is playing a key role in restoring and recalibrating the sophisticated fountain infrastructure at Futala Lake. Their presence is considered crucial for executing the final phase of highly technical repairs.
The restoration became necessary after several components of the fountain system suffered major damage during the prolonged suspension of the project.
Sources said polluted lake water led to the growth of microbes, which damaged specialised submersible power cables and corroded fountain equipment. Nozzle jets were also reportedly clogged due to weeds and contamination inside the lake.
Officials confirmed that the entire consignment of approximately 74,000 metres of eight-core cable required for restarting the fountain project has now been received. The final batch of around 6,000 metres arrived a few days ago.
The Futala Fountain project is considered one of Nagpur’s major tourism attractions and is promoted as the world’s longest floating fountain, stretching nearly 155 metres across the lake.
Apart from the floating fountain, the larger Futala development project also includes a floating stage, an artificial banyan tree, a spectators’ gallery, and a multi-level parking facility. However, most of these structures reportedly fell into disuse after the project got stalled due to legal complications.
The project faced a major setback in January 2024 when the Supreme Court imposed a status quo order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Nagpur-based NGO Swaccha Association.
Later, in October 2025, a bench headed by Bhushan Gavai lifted the status quo order, clearing the way for revival efforts.
Following the legal clearance, authorities have intensified work to restore the damaged infrastructure and revive the attraction ahead of the upcoming tourist season.
Officials remain hopeful that once the French experts arrive and technical restoration is completed, the Futala Fountain project will once again become a major attraction for residents and tourists visiting Nagpur.
