Locals launch drive to save Powai Lake from Hyacinth menace, alert CM

Mumbai: Vexed with continued inaction from the authorities to clean the iconic Powai Lake which is packed to the brim with Hyacinth plants, local residents and environmentalists have launched a series of campaigns to save the waterbody and its biodiversity.

Under the banner of #SavePowaiLake, the activists have sent an email to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging him to step in and order the civic authorities to clear the invasive water plants.

“We have been pleading with the civic officials for long yet there is no action,” lamented Pamela Cheema, a resident of JalVayu Vihar in Powai.

The officials need to check if any sewer lines are opening into the lake as the hyacinth growth has not been under check.

Hyacinth adversely impacts biodiversity and it blocks the sun rays in the lake, NatConnect Director B N Kumar pointed out in his email to the CM.

Powai is home to crocodiles and a host of other aquatic life.

Once a beautiful, sprawling wetland, Powai Lake presents a pathetic view and anyone driving on the main road can see, Kumar said, wondering as to why it has not caught the attention of any of the officials, Ministers or elected representatives.

There have been promises to beautify the lake,but they remained only on paper as the wetland continues to rot, Kumar added

Pictures speak more than a thousand words, said Shabbir Tambawala who presented a series of photographs of the lake showcasing its terrible condition.

The activists sent these pictures to the CM, marking the mail to the Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, while they simultaneously floated an online petition.

“We care about Powai Lake because it's more than just water—it's life, history, and hope,” said Milan Bhat, a resident of Hiranandani Gardens, who launched a social media campaign.

“Your voice matters too! Share your thoughts on why Powai Lake is important to you. Let's come together to protect and revive this precious ecosystem,” Bhat said in her post.

Gitanjali Dhulekar of JalVayu Vihar said the residents have embarked on a signature drive to spread awareness and mobilise support to save Powai’s biodiversity.

Around Powai Lake are two famed institutions - Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) and National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE).

The Powai Lake - spread over 557.50 acres - is known for its diversity as it is home to a variety of fish and birdlife. There are also several crocodiles in the waterbody.