MP Ravindra Waikar Flags Illegal Construction Around Powai and Vihar Lakes
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar has urged the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) to immediately intervene and halt rapid, unauthorized construction activities around Powai Lake, Paspoli, and Vihar Lake. The Mumbai North-West MP flagged that these ongoing developments violate the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as well as a 2022 Bombay High Court order dedicated to protecting Powai Lake.
According to Waikar, the illegal construction in these ecologically sensitive areas poses a severe threat to Mumbai’s urban wildlife habitat. The Powai Lake region serves as a critical breeding zone and habitat for crocodiles, which are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The rise in construction and resulting noise pollution have put the survival of these protected species at risk.
The issue was brought to the MP's attention by local residents and environmental groups. Following their complaints, Waikar conducted a personal site inspection. Based on his preliminary assessment, he confirmed that the construction activities are unauthorized and are causing irreversible damage to the local ecosystem.
In response, Waikar has notified the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) S Ward and submitted an official representation to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He emphasized that undertaking commercial or large-scale construction in these environmentally sensitive areas without prior approval from the NBWL is a serious legal violation. Vihar Lake forms an integral part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park ecosystem.
The impact also extends to local bird populations. Records maintained by the group "IIT Mumbai Birds" indicate that these wetlands host several rare and threatened bird species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The destruction of lakeside vegetation has already damaged their nesting sites and natural feeding grounds.
Furthermore, Powai Lake is currently in the process of securing global Ramsar Site status as a wetland of international importance. Waikar argued that the ongoing illegal activities directly contradict India’s commitments under international environmental conservation agreements.
Waikar has demanded that a committee of central wildlife experts be formed to assess the ecological impact on local crocodiles and bird species. He has also called for an inquiry to determine if the developers obtained mandatory wildlife No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the State Board for Wildlife and the forest department. Additionally, the MP has demanded strict legal action against the developers and officials responsible, criticizing what he termed the indifferent approach of the local administration.
