NMMC continues removing debris

NAVI MUMBAI: In an update to the PIL filed by Advocate Pradeep Patole with respect to restoring the Lotus Lake, Cidco has been asked to give a reply in three weeks to the High Court while Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has been asked to continue removing the debris and encroachment around the pond.

The legal officer of NMMC has also stated that the lake would be restored to its original position and the encroachments around the lake would also be removed.

Patole said, “Arguments were also made regarding chestnuts that are being illegally grown in the lake currently. It was brought to the notice of the court that in the wetland committee report, details about lotus plant and other flora are mentioned. Photographs of the actual removal of the lotus plant by four persons on February 19, 2020, when it was full of lotus, was also submitted before the court.”

Immediately, a complaint was made online to NMMC on February 21, 2020. He added, “Photographs after clearing of lotus plants during the lockdown were also submitted. Thereafter, photographs of the present cultivation of chestnuts were brought to the notice of the court . In July 2021, chemicals were poured into the lake for preventing lotus plant growth.”

NMMC had been clearing the debris but it stopped after there were heavy rains as the roads going to the land became marshy and it was difficult for the cranes and dumpers to go. An officer from NMMC said that the debris removal will resume soon. The Cidco officer chose not to comment.

BACHCHAN KUMAR/HT FILE NMMC removing debris at Lotus Lake.