Following an inspection of Bhujale Talao in Malad West, Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced a large-scale initiative to restore and redevelop nine neglected ponds across North Mumbai. The project is expected to be implemented through a Public-Private-People Partnership (PPPP) model and will focus on ecological restoration, beautification and improvement of public amenities around the water bodies.
Speaking during the visit, Goyal said the initiative has been conceptualised in partnership with Project Mumbai, the Dani Foundation and the AC Chandra Foundation.
“There are nine ponds in North Mumbai that are in a dilapidated state. We have envisioned a project, in collaboration with Project Mumbai, the Dani Foundation, and the AC Chandra Foundation, based on a Public-Private-People Partnership model. We plan to rejuvenate, restore, and redevelop the entire pond area,” Goyal said.
According to the minister, a detailed redevelopment proposal has already been submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He expressed confidence that the proposal would receive approval shortly, enabling authorities to begin implementation on an accelerated timeline.
“We have submitted a comprehensive redevelopment plan to the BMC, reflecting this holistic and multifaceted vision. It is expected to be approved by tomorrow, after which we will fast-track the work. This will be completed in about six months,” he said.
Bhujale Talao has been identified as the first water body to undergo redevelopment. The project will focus on restoring the pond ecosystem while enhancing surrounding infrastructure and recreational facilities.
Goyal also announced that work on Lotus Lake, popularly known as Kamal Talao, will commence in the next phase. “Additionally, we will soon begin work on Lotus Lake, a beautiful six-seven-acre water body. The paperwork is taking a little time, but the revised plans will be submitted tomorrow,” Goyal said.
He added that studies are underway for the remaining seven ponds. “There are nine such lakes in North Mumbai. We are working on the beautification, redevelopment, and provision of better amenities for all nine of them. Bhujale Talao is the first, followed by Kamal Talao, while studies are currently underway for the remaining seven,” he said.
The initiative aims to improve both the ecological health of these water bodies and the quality of public spaces available to local communities.
Source: The Free Press Journal
