BMC allots Rs 5 crore for Powai lake beautification and cleanup

City’s civic body recently appointed a consultant for the beautification and clean-up of Powai lake. The consultant, M/s Frischmann Prabhu India, has been allocated Rs 5 crore for the project.

In the recent past, locals have repeatedly notified the BMC about issues like dumping, water degradation, unchecked growth of water hyacinth etc plaguing the lake. Other factors like rapid construction in the surrounding areas and garbage disposal have also had an adverse effect on the once pristine and beautiful lake.

Owing to the severe damage caused to the lake, both citizens and environmental activists had voiced their concerns to the BMC and asked the civic body to intervene.

After surveying the lake, the civic body has appointed a consultant to work on restoring the lake and beautifying it’s surroundings. The revamp project will be done in a phased manner.

In the first phase, the area surrounding the lake will be developed and a parking lot, garden, LED lighting and washrooms will be constructed. In addition, the water hyacinth will be removed and oxygen levels in the lake will be tweaked to aid in sustaining the aquatic life.

In the second phase, long term development activities like setting up a sewage treatment system for recycling water, stopping flow of sewage water, installation of a centre piece with musical fountain etc will be undertaken. A feasibility report for sustaining the flora and fauna in and around the lake will also be conducted.

The work is expected to begin this week.

Inputs from Asian Age