Now, lakes could be revived to beat woes

Everyone’s thinking of ways to tide over the city’s water crisis. A delegation led by MP Sanjay Nirupam, on Monday, approached the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to propose the idea of 100% water back-up during water crisis.

The delegation asked the civic body to formulate a policy for revival of lakes in Mumbai and allow private participation (corporates) for funding the project.

Nirupam suggested that the pilot for the project could be done in the North Mumbai constituency, which has the maximum number of lakes and ponds. Six lakes have already been identified for phase 1 - Pancharangi Bhujal talav (Malad), Lotus lake (Malad-Marve Road), Charkop talav (Ghatkopar), Malad-Marve Road lake and Gaothan talav (Madh Gaon).

“There is a policy for open spaces but none for lakes. By next week, a meeting with the BMC commissioner will be held to formulate a new policy for all lakes. We will try our best to generate 30% more water,” Nirupam said.

With corporates like Bisleri willing to fund the complete cost of the project and hand over the lakes to the BMC after restoration, the feasibility of the project will be discussed with commissioner Swadhin Kshatriya next week.

“We are looking at a plan where we can have 100% water in times of water crisis. The idea is to revive lakes,” Sherley Singh, secretary, Juhu Welfare Scheme Residents’ Association, said.

Even additional municipal commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar has liked the idea and said that the modalities of the project can be worked out.