Activists Criticise BMC’s Rs 20 Crore Plan to Restore Bandra Talao
Activists in Mumbai have raised strong objections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposal to restore the Bandra Talao (lake) at a cost of Rs 20 crore, claiming that the plan is an unnecessary expenditure of public money. The lake, which has already been restored in recent years, is once again slated for renovation, prompting criticism from local residents and environmental groups alike.
The BMC’s H-West ward has recently forwarded a proposal for the restoration of the 200-year-old Swami Vivekanand Lake, better known as Bandra Talao, to the Sewerage Operations Department. The restoration project, which aims to preserve water bodies, will be funded by the State Department under the 15th Planning Commission initiative. The Bandra Talao, spanning 7.5 acres, is classified as a Grade II heritage site, and the funds will be allocated under the state’s plan to protect and enhance water bodies. However, many question the need for yet another restoration of the lake. Environmental activist and Bandra resident, Zoru Bhathena, expressed his frustration, pointing out that the lake was already revamped in 2019 at an estimated cost of over Rs 8 crore. He also noted that multiple beautification efforts have been carried out since 2015.
“Why is the already restored lake being restored again? Why does the BMC continue to beautify already beautified sites? This is nothing but public money going down the drain,” Bhathena said, calling the repeated renovations an unjustifiable expense. The restoration project is set to be carried out in two phases: the first will involve dewatering and desludging, while the second will focus on beautification. Meanwhile, local Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad has drawn attention to the unclean state of Bandra Talao, urging for immediate action to ensure proper maintenance and preservation of the heritage site.
In addition to the concerns over the restoration’s financial feasibility, residents have raised security issues surrounding the lake. Reports suggest that the walkways around the lake are frequently used by drug addicts and petty criminals, making the area unsafe for local visitors. This latest controversy highlights the ongoing tension between the BMC’s urban development initiatives and public opinion, with many questioning the efficacy and transparency of such high-cost projects. The debate surrounding Bandra Talao’s restoration continues, with calls for a more pragmatic approach to maintaining the city’s heritage sites without wasting valuable public funds.
