BJP MP writes to Iqbal Singh Chahal urging him to stop construction of cycling track at Powai Lake

The Save Powai Lake campaign has gained the support of MP Manoj Kotak from the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). On Thursday, October 7, he wrote a letter to the municipal commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner (BMC) - Iqbal Singh Chahal. In the letter, he urged Chahal to cancel the construction work of the cycle track near Powai Lake as it can prove harmful to the environment. It can also destroy the biodiversity of Powai Lake.

Powai Lake is home to the Indian Marsh crocodiles. Manoj Kotak recommended that the civic body must take necessary steps to preserve and conserve the ecology of Powai Lake.

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Kotak, in the letter, stated that the civic body should stop the cycle track work. They should rather complete the work of the old cycle track project located near pipelines. Powai residents had also raised concerns over the construction of the cycle track project.

He also added that Powai Lake is a heritage water body and that the BMC must take action to stop the sewage discharge in the lake. They must work on cleaning and revamping lakes so the tourist places can be developed.

A few activists and residents have also opposed the work of the cycle track, expressing concern that it will impact the habitat of the crocodiles. Earlier, residents had also written a letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray expressing shock over the construction of the cycle train.