The ever-rising pollution in the 120-year-old Powai lake has spurred citizens’ groups to come up with unique ideas for its restoration. One group has lined up a karaoke singing competition in Powai next month; part of the proceeds will go towards the lake’s restoration.
Another recently did its bit to raise awareness about the fast degeneration of the water body. On the 43rd Earth Day last week, the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust distributed green cloth bags at the lake’s embankment.
Environmental NGO Vanashakti will get 50% of the revenues earned from the ‘Karaoke Singing Championship’ to be held on May 7, for the lake’s long-term revival plan. Environmentalist D Stalin of Vanashakti said since there is no regular maintenance of the lake, floating green hyacinths are slowly choking it. To top it, sewerage water regularly flows into it.
“We have learnt from the BMC through the Right To Information (RTI) Act that one five-star hotel and some localities in Powai have been discharging untreated sewage into the lake. This must stop.”
Elsie Gabriel of Young Environmentalists Programme Trust added, “Once the monsoon sets in, a lot of silt from neighbouring areas will wash into the lake. This has to be avoided by putting up silt traps. We citizens want to do our bit, along with municipal authorities, to save the lake and undertake its regular maintenance.”
She added that the BMC has not yet renewed the contract for the de-weeding and de-silting of the lake.
A BMC official from the hydraulic department said they will tie up with forest officials, IIT-Bombay and various environmental and citizens groups to renew the process of cleaning the lake. Mumbaikars keen on participating in karaoke competition can call 9833633955.
Source: http://www.timesofindia.com
Picture copyright: by Sunish S. K. / PAWS-Mumbai
