Navi Mumbai: Acting on complaints from residents, a team of 20 civic officials from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently conducted a site visit to Lotus Lake in Nerul to investigate attempts by local villagers to revive water chestnut farming.
Advocate Pradeep Patole, who filed the complaint, stated that water chestnut farming within the lake is prohibited under High Court orders, which direct NMMC to prevent any encroachment on the water body. Despite these restrictions, residents recently noticed farmers resuming cultivation in the lake, prompting them to raise the alarm.
Lotus Lake, located in Sector 27, Nerul, is surrounded by over 50 residential societies. Concerned citizens have been vigilant about protecting the water body, which is the only natural lake in the area.
Navi Mumbai: NMMC officials inspect Lotus Lake amid illegal water chestnut farming concerns | File Photo
To safeguard it, a group called Save Lotus Lake (SLL) was formed to monitor and discuss any developments concerning its conservation. One of the key threats to the lake’s health has been the recurring attempts at water chestnut farming, which adversely affects the water quality needed for lotuses to thrive.
Taking note of the issue, the civic administration has deployed round-the-clock surveillance and instructed the debris squad to monitor the area. Ward officer Amol Palve confirmed that the residents’ concerns were valid, as officials found preparations for chestnut farming underway during their visit. Two workers were seen cleaning the pond, and upon investigation, it was revealed that a local individual had assigned them the task. However, the person in question has since gone into hiding.
Additionally, the administration has requested CIDCO to repair the damaged fencing around the lake. Since the lake area is still under CIDCO’s jurisdiction, NMMC is not authorized to carry out repair or maintenance work. "CIDCO has been informed, and we are awaiting their response," added Palve.
With increased vigilance and enforcement, residents hope that these measures will prevent further encroachments and ensure the preservation of Lotus Lake.
