After numerous protests against the construction of a cycling track at Powai lake, now the state government-run mangrove cell has raised concerns and has sought clarity on the nature of the construction.
The citizens, environmentalists and the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had opposed the construction of a cycling track at Powai lake. They fear that it will affect the habitat of the Indian marsh crocodiles.
Neenu Somraj, Deputy Conservator of Forests (mangrove cell), wrote a letter to the BMC. The letter mentioned that if the work is going on at Powai Lake, they should stop it immediately. It also sought some clarification on the nature of the construction and also submit a site inspection report along with the actions/construction on the site.
The letter also asked them to submit permissions obtained for the cycling track constructions. On Sunday, October 17, activists chanted slogans like 'BMC hosh mai aao' at Powai Lake's Ganesh Ghat. Even the AAP's Mumbai Unit had protested against the construction of the cycle track.
Meanwhile, the civic body has said that the work at the site has been halted, and a committee of environmental experts has been set up in order to discuss the lake’s development and carry out any mitigation measures required to enhance the lake and its surroundings.
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