Though thankful for the Central Railways’ new lines, Kalwa locals point out how an old water body is being taken over by them and the equipment used for the train work
Before and after pictures show the area around the lake
Local residents in Kalwa are worried about losing an old lake that has been partly taken over by the new railway lines, and partly by the railway’s gigantic stone crushing machine units, which are also encroaching on the pedestrian pathway.
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The lake, locally known as Mafatlal lake, is situated next to the railway lines and the new platforms at the Kalyan-end of Kalwa station. Residents have approached the railways, the pollution control board and environment bodies to get the grievance addressed, and plan to approach the National Green Tribunal.
“We are very thankful for the commitment and hard work involved in completing the 5th and 6th railway tracks. But there is a pressing point,” local resident Abhay Sawant said. “The new platforms have almost taken over 20 per cent of the lake, and are dumping debris in the lake,” he said.
Siddhesh Desai, vice-president of the Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh, one of the oldest and biggest passenger associations, has also shot off a complaint letter to the ministry of railways. “We are demanding the removal of all the encroachments by the railways.”
The Campaign
Local residents have started a campaign with the hashtag #SAVEPARSIK to save all the smaller lakes around Kalwa and the Parsik Hills. “Seeking help to save all three lakes in Kalwa, which are totally neglected. Within a few months these lakes will disappear if actions is not taken. #SAVEPARSIK,” they say.
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