Dumping causes New Panvel lake to vanish into foul air

NEW PANVEL: An important residential alternative, New Panvel is facing some crucial problems at its lake as residents are dumping waste in it with impunity, even though Cidco’s garbage disposal squad services the area every day and has installed waste bins at many places around the water body.

Situated between sector 8 and 0, the lake is easily accessible from the Sion-Panvel highway through a newly built bridge. A signboard placed by Cidco at the filthiest part of the lake urging residents not to throw waste only serves to highlight their lack of civic sense.

They have been throwing vegetable waste and pooja items from nearby temples; animals and vehicles are washed in the lake water from an area which is open to the public. People also bathe in the lake, and even wash their clothes in it.

Though most of the lake is surrounded by a fence, dumping of waste is common. The lake is also surrounded by a school and important residential areas. Though garbage boxes and bins are installed around the lake, most remain empty even as the surrounding areas are filthy.

Earlier, people used to sit around the lake as benches are available, but now the stench emanating from it has made this impossible.

Justin Thomas, a school student, said, “I have seen many people throwing waste in the lake without any concern about the lake or its water. This lake was a beautiful attraction, but now it is suffering due to its own residents.”

Mohan Pillai, a resident of New Panvel, said, “This area now holds more importance due to the newly built bridge which offers better access to Mumbai for Panvel residents. The lake is a good attraction, but if this state continues, it will become a garbage bin. Officials should respond quickly.”

Dr BS Bhavaskar, head of Cidco’s health department, assured that steps will be taken to maintain the pond.

BACHCHAN KUMAR Though surrounded by a fence, many local residents are dumping waste at the New Panvel lake.