Powai residents and green activists have launched a campaign to save Powai Lake from the harmful water weed that has engulfed the scenic lake. While the locals have started an online petition, activists have written to the chief minister and municipal commissioner demanding immediate actions to save the biodiversity spot.
Local residents of Powai and environmentalists have launched a series of campaigns to save Powai Lake, spread across 200 hectares, and its biodiversity as they allege that the civic authorities are not taking any action to clean the water body which has been engulfed by water hyacinth. Residents allege that the lake, which was once a beautiful sprawling wetland, now presents a pathetic view.
The residents have come together to create a #SavePowaiLake forum | FPJ/ Dhairya Gajara
Powai Lake- Current scenario | FPJ/ Dhairya Gajara
The residents have come together to create a #SavePowaiLake forum to address the issue and seek immediate attention to the worsening condition of the lake. Under the forum, the residents have launched a social media campaign. started an online petition and written letters to CM Devendra Fadnavis and Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner.
NatConnect Foundation, which is also a part of the forum, has written to CM Fadnavis urging him to step in and order the civic authorities to clear the invasive water plant. In his letter to the CM and the commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, he highlighted the environmental impact of the water weed on marine life as the plant blocks sunlight into the lake. Powai Lake alone acts as a habitat for a wealth of species, including the Indian Marsh Crocodile, various kinds of fish and a plethora of bird species.
Talking to The Free Press Journal, B.N. Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, said, “The authorities seem to have neglected the menacing plants which are up to the brim of the wetland. There have been promises to beautify the lake, but only on paper. The officials need to check if any sewer lines are opening into the lake as the hyacinth growth has not been under check. We wonder as to why it has not caught the attention of any of the officials, Ministers or elected representatives.”
The residents have also launched an online petition requesting the CM to intervene and direct the civic body to take action. The petition launched on Saturday had received close to 1,000 signatures by Sunday evening. They have also launched a social media campaign spreading awareness among people about the issue. Milan Bhat, a resident of Hiranandani Gardens who launched the campaign, wrote, “We care about Powai Lake because it’s more than just water. It’s life, history, and hope. Your voice matters too! Share your thoughts on why Powai Lake is important to you. Let’s come together to protect and revive this precious ecosystem.”
Residents have alleged that they have requested the BMC but there has been no action. They have also alleged that none of the elected representatives have also paid heed to the issue. “We have been pleading with the civic officials for long yet there is no action,” lamented Pamela Cheema, convenor of the #SavePowaiLake Forum.
According to the Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai has lost about 40% of its biodiversity in the past decade alone. Unchecked development projects, untreated industrial waste, encroachments in reserved biodiversity zones, and inconsiderate littering have made the situation increasingly dire.
