Thane: Following complaints from local social activists and a report by The Free Press Journal (FPJ), the Bhiwandi Nizampura City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) has initiated the removal of water hyacinth from Kamvari Lake, located in the Nadi Naka area of Bhiwandi. However, residents allege that the infestation has persisted since February, and action was only taken on Friday.
The Kamvari River, which flows through Bhiwandi in Thane district, has effectively turned into a drain choked with water hyacinth, waste, and pollutants. Years of unchecked industrial discharge, residential waste dumping, and encroachment have severely degraded the river’s condition. Local industries are reportedly releasing untreated wastewater and chemicals directly into the river, contaminating its waters.
Residents claim that despite repeated assurances and allocated funds, the river has not been cleaned for several years. The pollution has disrupted the local ecosystem and raised serious environmental and health concerns. The river passes through both BNCMC and the Shelar Gram Panchayat jurisdictions.
Earlier this year, FPJ published a report titled “Pollution, Encroachment Turn Bhiwandi's River into a Drain”, highlighting the inaction of the authorities on February. Despite this media attention, no substantial efforts were made earlier. But now, BNCMC took action to clean it.
Due to two days of heavy rainfall, water pressure caused the accumulated hyacinth to break loose and get trapped around the bridge pillars. Residents report that only one poklane (excavator) was dispatched by the BNCMC in response—seen by many as a symbolic rather than serious effort to address the problem.
Despite the seasonal rains washing some of the hyacinth away, residents argue this does not absolve the civic body of responsibility. “They are simply waiting for nature to do the job, avoiding expenses altogether,” said a local.
Locals warn that low-lying areas around the lake are at risk of flooding if the hyacinth is not cleared immediately. “If the blockage isn’t removed, the area could submerge after another spell of rain,” said one resident.
BNCMC Public Relations Officer Shrikant Pardeshi confirmed, "We receiving complaints and stated that one poklane had been sent. “On Saturday, one poklane and two JCB machines will be deployed to clean the lake. The hyacinth will be transported to the dumping ground."
Residents also allege that dyeing units operating near the riverbanks continue to discharge untreated chemical effluents, which flow through Khoni Gaon and Khadipar. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has allegedly failed to take enforcement action, despite persistent pollution.
