Experts believe concerted efforts are needed to protect and maintain the lake’s ecosystem
MUMBAI: One of the major weekend attractions in the city, Powai Lake has been subjected to continuous abuse over the years, which has posed a threat to its ecosystem. However, Dr MS Kodarkar of the Indian Association of Aquatic Biologies, Hyderabad feels that the lake has a potential to be at par with Lake Michigan or any other lake in the world.
Kodarkar, who was in the city recently to inaugurate the Naushad Ali Memorial Field Station at Powai, said, “The biggest advantage Powai Lake has is its catchment area. Supported by Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the lake stands every chance of revival, provided conservation efforts are put in.
Lake basin management and protection of catchment area play a crucial role in conservation. The municipal corporation should make budgetary allocations for annual maintenance of the lake.”
Kodarkar said the lake had a rich ecosystem supporting a variety of birds, including migratory birds, and aquatic life. Referring to the ongoing beautification of the lake by the BMC, Kodarkar said, “There is no harm in it, but it should not eat away the catchment area. It has been seen that after beautification, a major portion of catchment areas disappear.
Nature has the capacity to rejuvenate itself if the water quality was maintained properly.”
“The best way to conserve the lake is formation of a committee involving people and civic administrators. Lake ecology is very fragile and even a minor damage can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem. The municipal administration should also undertake annual desilting of the lake,” Kodarkar said.