Experts panel to check environmental aspects Powai Lake projects

Powai Lake being cleaned on January 17. Pic/Satej Shinde

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to appoint a committee of experts to oversee environmental aspects of the Powai Lake Rejuvenation Project and to enhance the biodiversity around it. The step has been taken as the BMC started various works in and around the lake and there was opposition from environmentalists.

The BMC has already appointed a committee of experts including Kedar Bhide (wildlife biologist, herpetologist) for guidance/recommendations to improve the aquatic life in the lake and to implement measures to improve the environment around it.

In addition, the BMC has decided to conduct an environmental assessment of Powai Lake which will include various terms of references suggested by the Expert Advisory Committee. "The Advisory Committee appointed by BMC will compile previous reports and studies carried out by the various agencies in Powai lake. It will also sample various environmental parameters pertaining to lake and surroundings, reptiles, and other biodiversity. The committee will also carry out the work of mapping the lake and its surroundings and preparing high-resolution images using photogrammetry," said a BMC official.

The official added that the committee will prepare the limnological profile of Powai lake using secondary data and update it with fresh studies. A study of hydrological profiles and impacts will also be undertaken. The research will support the works undertaken for lake protection and rejuvenation.