Mumbai News: BMC Removes 1,450 Metric Tons Of Water Hyacinth From Powai Lake In 10 Days; Sewage Diversion Tender Approved To Save City’s Ecosystem

Mumbai: In the last 10 days, as much as 1,450 metric tons of hyacinth have been removed from the Powai Lake. The mushrooming vegetation is the result of water pollution at the lake, mainly caused due to untreated sewage emissions into the lake.

“As part of the ongoing efforts by the BMC to preserve and restore the natural environment of the Powai Lake, the work of removing hyacinth and floating plants from the lake has been going on at a fast pace, with added machinery and manpower. From May 23 to June 1, by using five harvest machines, 1,450 metric tons of hyacinth have been removed. In the last six months, more than 25,000 metric tonnes of hyacinth have been removed,” the statement released by the civic body said.

However, environment activist B N Kumar said that the BMC has started removing the vegetation from the Ganesh Ghat side, and the rains and winds are taking the hyacinth towards the IIT.

“Removal of 1,500 metric tons of hyacinth is nothing compared to the size of the lake. The BMC needs to fasten the tendering and soon start the work to divert the sewage lines,” Kumar said. He also questioned where the 25,000 metric tons of hyacinth has been dumped in the last six months.

The Powai Lake is spread over about 6.6 kilometres and has a catchment area of about 600 hectares.

“Meanwhile, the draft letter (D.L.) for diverting the channels to prevent the entry of sewage into the Powai Lake has been approved. The acceptance of this tender (Date of Acceptance) and the issuance of work orders are expected to be done in the coming week,” the BMC said on Monday.

Currently, 18 MLD of sewage flows into Powai Lake daily. The rise in urbanization around Powai Lake and the inflow of untreated sewage has led to an increase in water hyacinth and other unwanted vegetation. This growth covers the water surface, adversely affecting water quality and biodiversity.

Last month, the BMC concluded that diverting the sewage lines is the only long-term solution to preserve the lake. The corporation has invited two separate tenders, one for sewage line diversion and another for a sewage treatment plant (STP) of 8 MLD capacity.