Navi Mumbai residents complain of illegal dumping of debris at Lotus Lake

The residents of Sector 27, Nerul, complained of landfilling and illegal dumping of debris in Lotus Lake destroying its beauty

The residents of Sector 27, Nerul, complained of landfilling and illegal dumping of debris in Lotus Lake destroying its beauty. Lotus Lake adjacent to Amra Marg Road, which connects Uran Phata to Palm Beach Road, has been wearing an unpleasant look for a few months. The plot adjoining the lake is beautified by Cidco, who, however, deny any dumping in the lake.

Cidco PRO says work of levelling the plot near the lake is in progress. (Bachchan Kumar/HT photo)

KP Sherif, 62, a resident of Sector 27, said, “Lotus Lake is next to our society building and has been declared as wetland in Navi Mumbai. Wetlands are highly sensitive and protected areas. Any violation or interference is subjected to stringent provisions of law. We are fortunate that we are residing in the vicinity of this natural phenomenon. Till last year, it flourished with lotus and other plants. Cidco has always remained negligent, though its duty is to protect the lake. During the lockdown, this wetland has severely been affected by encroachments and dumping of debris.”

Land-levelling work has been undertaken at one end of the debris while heaps are dumped on the other side. Encroachments by hutments is another issue here.

Meanwhile, the Cidco PRO said, “The work of levelling the plot near the lake is in progress. During this work, however, all the technical norms are being followed and the lake is not harmed in any way. We would be looking into the debris dumping issue and will have a watchman stationed, if needed, to make sure no illegal dumping happens.”