MHADA's Lokhandwala Lake cleanup must consider over 100 bird species, say Environmentalists

MHADA has begun cleaning Lokhandwala Lake mdash an urban birding haven in Andheri West and a favourite among migratory birds mdash but wildlife experts and conservationists stress that the process must be conducted scientifically to preserve its fragile ecosystemThe cleanup work officially started on May 16 in the presence of MLA Haroon Khan who issued a noobjection certificate to MHADA forthe projectmidday has been consistently highlighting the ecological value of Lokhandwala Lake In February this year we reported that over 100 bird species including migratory ones rely on the lake which still awaits formal wetland status The invasive aquatic plant Ipomoea has been spreading across the lake choking open water zones and threatening biodiversity Conservationists argue that wetland recognition would allow for controlled vegetation removal and better protectionEnvironmentalists and local residents including members of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association LOCA have long been demanding that Lokhandwala Lake be declared a wetland In June 2022 then Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray had instructed the Mangrove Cell to declare it a forest area to ensure its protectionldquoFor over 25 years residents have been fighting to protect the lake But over time construction debris and garbage have been dumped in and around itrdquo said a local activist Following a series of midday articles the State Human Rights Commission also took suo motu cognisance and directed authorities to take actionDhaval Shah president of LOCA said ldquoItrsquos good to see the cleanup finally begin after years of followup We hope the work is done in a scientific manner to preserve the lakersquos biodiversityrdquoConservationists argue that wetland recognition would allow for better protection of Lokhandwala Lake File picsSatej ShindeNaturalist and writer Sunjoy Monga said ldquoThe cleaning must not involve random dredging Authorities should remove every bit of garbage mdash plastic bottles cans religious waste mattresses thermocol mdash but avoid disturbing nutrientrich silt and aquatic plants Security monitoring with three to four cameras and daytime guards is essential to prevent further dumping Without that wersquoll be back to square onerdquoChartered accountant and wildlife filmmaker Sumesh Ashok Lekhi added that a holistic approach is needed to protect everything from ldquobacteria to birdsrdquo He cautioned against desilting explaining that the lakebed has stabilised and supports biodiversity ldquoAquatic plants and shallow areas are vital feeding and breeding zones for birds amphibians fish and crustaceans Resources should be used to maintain the lakersquos natural habitat not to turn it into a tourist spotrdquo he saidLekhi recommended regular cleaning of entrances and discouraging feeding of fish and birds with bread or processed food which creates a heavy bioload and algae blooms ldquoWork involving physical entry into the lake must only be done once bird chicks have grown and nesting sites are at least 40 to 50 metres away The lake is a natural jewel mdash it doesnrsquot need major funds or beautification just regular carerdquoShiv Sena UBT MLA from Versova Haroon Khan said ldquoLokhandwala Lake is an important area where over 150 species of birds mdash including migratory ones mdash are spotted Thatrsquos why wersquove decided to carry out the lakersquos cleanup with the help of MHADA All the garbage and plastic dumped along the sides of the lake will be removed and MHADA has been instructed to carry out the work in a scientific manner to ensure no harm is caused to the lake or its biodiversity We will also ensure that a system is put in place to prevent future dumping or damage to Lokhandwala Lake which is truly a birding paradiserdquo25 yearsApproximate time locals have been fighting to protect lakeLocals sayKaran Jotwani Lokhandwala residentldquoLokhandwala Lake is infested with invasive plants that are threatening its natural functioning The cleanup is long overdue and wersquore hopeful that this effort will rejuvenate the lakerdquoParag Motani Another residentldquoRight now household waste idol dumping and other trash are severely affecting the wildlife that depends on the lake Cleaning is absolutely essential and wersquore thankful to LOCA and MLA Haroon Khan for taking this uprdquoBirds commonly spotted at Lokhandwala LakePurple swamphen garganey duck coppersmith barbet whitethroated kingfisher black kite roseringed parakeet spotbilled duck Indian pond heron black drongo common myna cattle egret and redvented bulbulatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params