In a renewed push for urban regeneration, Union Minister and Mumbai North MP Piyush Goyal on Saturday evening announced the rejuvenation of 11 lakes in the Malad region of North Mumbai. The initiative aims to restore neglected water bodies that have deteriorated due to encroachments and neglect.
“There are 11 lakes in North Mumbai that have deteriorated due to encroachments. These lakes will be restored and beautified over the next two years,” Goyal confirmed during a review of multiple civic projects in his constituency.
The list includes Lotus Talao (Malwani), Sumlai Talao (Gorai), Vanala, Posai, Harbadevi and Dharavali Talao (Madh), and Kajaradevi Talao (Manori).
The rejuvenation drive began earlier this year when civic teams led by Deputy Municipal Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar, who previously headed BMC’s P North Ward, conducted site visits to assess the condition of these lakes and identify critical interventions.
The project will unfold in two phases one will target lakes with high footfall or those where restoration is less complex and cost-effective, allowing for quicker execution, phase two will follow after evaluating the outcomes and public feedback from the initial work.
Community participation is a key pillar of the initiative, with officials and partners stressing the importance of local engagement for long-term maintenance and sustainability.
The BMC has teamed up with Project Mumbai, a citizen-driven non-profit headed by CEO Shishir Joshi, to gather charitable funds for the project. According to Joshi, the first emphasis will be on lakes that need little maintenance, including the addition of canopies, amphitheatres, and lighting to make them more livable and accessible public areas.
“For challenges such as sewage and sanitation management, BMC’s full involvement will be critical,” Joshi added, noting that some corporates have already expressed interest in supporting the initiative.
Similar proposals to revitalise 18 lakes were proposed in 2022, but they were unsuccessful. But because to Goyal’s active intervention, local authorities now have two years to turn these bodies of water into environmentally conscious, community-friendly urban areas.
Source: TOI
