While the BMC plans to install musical fountains inside Powai Lake, environmentalists and nature lovers are raising objections, citing concerns that light pollution could negatively impact the lake’s crocodile population and other fauna. Recently, environmentalist Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti visited the Powai Lake area and, near the Ganesh ghat, noticed several pieces of equipment lying around. Upon enquiring, he was informed that the hundreds of drum-like metal cylinders were part of the proposed musical fountain project.

Speaking to mid-day, Stalin D said, “Powai Lake is of national importance and figures in the National Wetland Atlas. It must be approached with extra caution. Various court orders have directed the BMC and the state government to reduce the pollution load on the lake caused by untreated sewage. I had proposed the installation of in-situ sewage treatment equipment at the inlets bringing untreated sewage into the lake. No action has been taken on that front, but this so-called ‘beautification and development’ project seems to have taken priority over real issues.”