Algae infection found affecting the huge Futala Lake, disturbing the Musical Fountain, detected by Mumbai's IIT Team

An IIT Mumbai team visited Futala Lake on Thursday to look into the origins of an algae infection that disturbed the musical fountain that had been built at the scenic location. The IIT team was called to investigate the issue by the private contractor Khalatkar Construction Company (KCC), who built the fountain.

The KCC is now working on the project, which was conceptualized by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and will eventually be officially transferred to the Nagpur Metro Region Development Authority (NMRDA). The transfer of the fountain's regular operation to the NMRDA will be finished in due course; the contractor has only completed trials thus far.

The underwater mesh that houses the musical fountain's electrical wires, pumps, and other equipment has developed a film of algae on it. This buildup of algae is a result of domestic sewage from nearby areas entering the lake and injecting organic debris that encourages its growth and harms the electric wiring of the fountain.

The involvement of more than 500 wires makes manual cleaning impossible, according to sources. The NMRDA has been notified of the issue and is requesting an immediate resolution. It is known as the longest floating musical fountain in the world and cost Rs 75 crore to build. Its most recent test run occurred during the city's March hosting of the G-20 meeting.

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