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Powai Lake Boundary Survey Ignites Encroachment Fears
22 Dec
Summary
- A survey aims to mark Powai Lake's exact boundaries on maps.
- IIT Bombay requested the survey due to shared boundaries.
- Past proposals for lakefront development faced environmental opposition.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a total station survey to accurately delineate the boundaries of Powai Lake on both site and official maps. This crucial step follows a request from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), which shares a boundary with the lake and is part of ongoing discussions with a citizens' body.
The survey aims to establish precise coordinates for the lake's limits, providing much-needed clarity on potential encroachments and defining areas for permitted activities. This effort builds upon past engagements, including a similar survey proposed in 2021 that was later withdrawn, and legal actions by environmental activists seeking protection for the lake's Natural Area Zone.
Powai Lake, an artificial reservoir established in 1891, spans 223 hectares and holds 5,455 million litres. Identified for rejuvenation under the National Lake Conservation Policy, it supports a rich ecosystem, including aquatic life and crocodiles. Previous urban design interventions, like a proposed cycle track from 2021, faced significant opposition, highlighting the delicate balance between development and conservation efforts.
