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Pune Lake Center: A Decade of Disrepair
27 Feb
Summary
- A Rs 1 crore science and birdwatching center remains in disrepair after eight years.
- The neglected center, meant for environmental education, is inaccessible and lacks basic facilities.
- Local residents express disappointment over the project's prolonged delay and neglect.
A science and birdwatching center, developed near Pune's Lakaki Lake, has been left in disrepair for eight years since its initial inauguration in 2018. This Rs 1 crore project, aimed at fostering environmental education and birdwatching, is now inaccessible and lacks essential facilities. Residents and environmental groups initiated conservation efforts for the lake and the center, envisioning it as a vital educational hub for future generations amidst the city's ongoing redevelopment.
The center's design was inspired by bird flight, offering a vantage point over the lake. However, despite being handed over to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in 2015, it has not been opened to the public. Officials cite pending work, including telescopes and electrical installations, estimated to cost Rs15-20 lakh, with a tentative opening planned for June 2026.
Local residents, deeply connected to the lake's conservation, express significant disappointment over the neglect. They lament the missed opportunities for engaging younger generations in nature conservation. Experts emphasize the importance of such spaces for biodiversity and environmental awareness, highlighting the current state as a waste of public resources and invested time.
