Plan projects to safeguard existing greens

Before and after pictures show the area around the lake

Kalwa locals are concerned about losing an old lake that has been partially taken over by the new railway lines. This lake is next to the lines and new platforms at the Kalyan-end of Kalwa station.

Residents have approached the Railways, the Pollution Control Board and different environment bodies, so that their grievances are addressed. New platforms have practically taken over 20 per cent of the lake, and debris dumping is on too, a report in this paper stated.

Campaigns have started and letters dashed off to the Railway authorities, but it is the response now that is important. Leaders need to ensure that the ecological balance is maintained and lakes etc. are not touched at the start of a project itself.

Taking over a certain green part, whether it be land or a lake, and then trying to clear it or restore it is counter productive and a colossal waste of time and effort. We have to see that projects are planned and executed carefully from Day 1, so that these resources are safeguarded.

Now, we will have the familiar scenario of residents running from pillar to post trying to save the lake and clear encroachments. They will have to invest all their energy and time into this battle which could have been easily prevented in the first place.

Debris dumping is a very serious problem and needs to be tackled on a war footing. Cameras along the site will show who is dumping debris into the lake and Railway officials must hold those responsible accountable.

It is an unfortunate irony that we press for greening the city and spew words like environmental consciousness and climate change, while decimating the little we have, through a sometimes casual and often cavalier attitude while so-called development is on. Respond and respect these concerns, factoring in the importance of the lake in locals' lives.