Environmentalists in Mumbai have written to the civic and environmental administers to proclaim a prompt “stop work” notice for the intended jogging and cycling track alongside Powai Lake. The group is of the opinion that the construction will result in profound harm to the biodiversity in the lake, reported the Times of India. The lake is said to be a home for Schedule 1 wildlife species and Indian marsh crocodiles.
Director of Vanashakti D Stalin and member of the high court-appointed, Wetlands Grievance Redressal Committee, toured the lake and stated that if the authorities decide to harm the ecology by constructing the cycle track, he will move to the court.
Based on the report, Stalin elaborated on how the lake is being reclaimed with the building of a road inside the boundary of the lake. He spoke about how along the banks, many trees were cut which will have negative repercussions on crocodiles, who bask on the shore and in the mucky areas, lay their eggs. He believes that the construction of the 10 km track will propel the animals to go to the IIT area which will result in issues between humans and the animal species.
He thinks the lake should be conserved since it’s witnessed in the National Wetland Atlas. He added that with over 30% of the surface covered with hyacinths, the presence of effluents in the lake is also depicted which needs to be purified.
Many other environmental activists also have voiced their discontent on the project, mentioned the report.
The BMC, a few years ago, had furnished a musical fountain at the Powai Lake, which drew critique from citizens. It was seen that after a while, the fountain stopped working, stated the account.
Earlier this year, Aaditya Thackeray the state environment minister along with civic officials had visited the lake to plan the construction of the track, elaborated the narrative.
Also Read: BMC Plans To Curate A Walkway-Cum-Cycle Track At Mahalaxmi Racecourse
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