As the monsoon draws near, the Kharghar-Taloja Colony Welfare Association (KTCWA) has called on the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) to undertake urgent cleaning and deweeding of lakes and stormwater drains in the Kharghar-Taloja region, specifically from Sector 30 to Taloja Phase 2.
In a letter dated April 23 and addressed to PMC , the KTCWA flagged three major concerns posing environmental and civic challenges:
The association pointed out the critical condition of two waterbodies—Ganesh Ghat and Kutukbhandhan—located in Sector 35 and its extension near Swapnapurti, Sector 36. "Although cleaning is undertaken by PMC staff, it remains limited to the periphery, leaving invasive weeds and silt to accumulate inside," said an officer beared. The KTCWA recommended deploying drum rafts for deep cleaning and desilting to improve groundwater absorption and reduce overflow onto roads and drains.
KTCWA also raised concerns about the worsening water quality at Ganesh Ghat. The pond, currently filled with garbage, is reportedly being used to cultivate water chestnut—an act the association described as "extremely unhealthy." The association has requested the immediate cessation of such activities and a clean-up drive to restore the waterbody’s condition.
With forecasts indicating an early monsoon, the association emphasized the need to clear all stormwater drains, gutters, and nullahs between Sector 30 and Taloja Phase 2. They warned that neglecting pre-monsoon de-silting and unclogging could lead to severe flooding in the area.
PMC officials have stated of looking into the concerns at the earliest.
