Environment Ministry asks Maharashtra govt to submit report on Powai cycling track

Supekar says BMC has put a lot of stones in the lake to level the track

After mid-day's report and a complaint filed with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MOEF&CC) about the ongoing construction of a cycle track that poses a threat to Powai lake, the ministry has taken serious note of the same. It has asked the authorities concerned to submit a report on this. Senior BMC officials, too, visited the spot where the cycling track is being constructed, on Wednesday.

On August 10, mid-day had reported the issue in ‘Eco-friendly' cycling track threat to Powai lake?' in which Omkar Mahadeo Supekar, a researcher at IIT-Bombay had alleged that the ongoing work had damaged the water body and trees were killed. He had also filed a complaint with MOEF&CC.

The report also stated that Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray had visited Powai lake in June to inspect the work on the cycling and jogging track, and had said that special care would be taken to maintain the existing flora and fauna.

However, a local alleged that the project was being undertaken along the most important catchment area of the lake and construction activity would adversely impact the lake's biodiversity. If the work continues, it might disturb reptiles such as crocodiles and other aquatic species, and birds, locals fear.

Also read: Mumbai: ‘Eco-friendly' cycling track threat to Powai lake?

MOEF&CC's letter

The MOEF&CC has asked Principal Secretary, (Forests) of the Maharashtra Forest Department to immediately look into the issue. "Please find attached herewith a representation received from Omkar Mahadeo Supekar regarding the above cited subject matter, contents of which are self-explanatory. You are requested to submit your comments/ action taken report on the said representation within 15 days," states the MOEF&CC letter to Principal Secretary of Maharashtra Forest Department.