Mumbai: Andheri's Lokhandwala residents unite to protect its lake

Lokhandwala residents are up in arms against boating and racing tracks planned at the lake. Pic/Shadab Khan

Lokhandwala residents who have been fighting to protect Lokhandwala lake have objected to the beautification project, which they feel will do more harm than good.

Environmentalist Sumesh Lekhi, who has consistently been working to protect Lokhandwala lake, posted on Facebook and appealed to the local representatives to join the residents in protecting the lake. "Attempts are being made to destroy vegetation, concretise parts of it and there are plans to introduce boating too," he said. In the post, it was also stated that lake is declared a protected forest.

"Citizens have collectively, with the Forest Department, BMC, MHADA and all the authorities, have worked very hard in protecting this biodiversity gem, which is home to many migratory birds. It also includes species of reptiles, insects, and some mammals, all of whom are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Environment Protection Act, 1986, and also CRZ, Wetland Rules and many others," states the post.

Another resident, Dhaval Shah from Lokhandwala, said, "Yesterday, one of the birding groups from Lokhandwala came to know about the construction of steps being carried out near the lake, and so, they went there and stopped the work. Our only demand to the authorities is to take all the necessary permissions before doing any work, which should be carried out without causing any damage to the lake."