Mumbai civic body has mega plans for Powai lake, locals want clean-up first

Mumbai residents said they felt unsafe owing to bikers who illegally enter the 1.5-km-long promenade

As scores of local tourists frequent the promenade at Powai lake, citizens have been asking the civic body for increased security and more garbage bins. But, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said it has bigger plans, including those to ensure a cleaner lake.

Garbage floating in Powai lake on Monday. (Shashi S Kashyap/ HT)

Powai residents have complained that the promenade is being repaired at a slow pace and construction debris have been strewn about the place for days.

“People also throw garbage in the lake. There are no officials or security at site to ensure that these people are fined,” said V A Appukuttam of Powai advanced locality management.

Residents said they felt unsafe owing to bikers who illegally enter the 1.5-km-long promenade. They have thus demanded better security. “The bikers are our main problem. They are often found speeding, unconcerned about the safety of visitors,” said Thresa George, a Powai resident.

However, according to the civic body, 10 security guards man the promenade in shifts. Officials said they cannot deploy more personnel.

Tenders are also being floated for another project to stop sewage lines from entering the lake, confirmed officials. Elsie Gabriel, founder of Young Environmentalists Programme Trust (YEPT), who has been researching the lake for 18 years, suggested the 130-year-old silt traps in the lake be replaced and guarded.

“Repairs on the promenade will continue till December. We will act on residents’ requests and place more garbage bins in the area,” added Kadam.