Senior citizen has alleged that INS Hamla is illegally dumping debris in a fresh water lake in Marve; defence has rubbished the claim
D’Lima claims that dumping in the lake has restarted since Thursday
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Here's a ‘he said, she said’ account; this time, it just happens to be about an environmental travesty or a much-needed step, depending on which side you choose to believe.
A Malad-based senior citizen, Mario D’Lima, who has been working to save the city lakes, has alleged that a fresh water lake is being “illegally reclaimed” by INS Hamla.
The defence authorities, however, have rubbished his claims and stated that the water body does not have any protected status and that it is being filled because it ends up becoming a mosquito breeding ground every monsoon.
He said
According to D’Lima, dumping in the fresh water lake is not a new development. In January, he had written to the suburban district collector, informing them about the “illegal dumping”.
He then again wrote to the commanding officer of INS Hamla in March. “It’s really sad to see the way in which the fresh water lake at CTS No 97 near Marve is being illegally reclaimed under instructions of the INS Hamla. Since Thursday, they have once again started dumping debris into the lake, which is ecologically important,” alleged Pradeep D’Lima, Mario’s son.
They said
However, the defence spokesperson has a different take on the events. He said, “The ‘wetland’ under reference is a low lying area where water stagnates during monsoon as proper drains don’t exist. The area turns into muddy ground and post monsoon, dries up. It is not listed as a water body under the lists promulgated by Ministry of Environment and does not constitute a stream under the Water Act, as is being claimed. The temporary stagnant water on defence land is a considerable health hazard and is not used for fresh water supply. The unit is the appropriate authority, which has the right to construct improve or maintain the said area.”
Allegations fly
Meanwhile, the residents still allege that INS Hamla is deliberately trying to cover up the lake area so that it can be put to use.
D’Lima has also claimed that even a survey conducted to determine if there was a mosquito breeding grounds, found that there was no such issue there.
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