BMC plans revival of 11 lakes in Malad and Madh

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up to revive 11 lakes spread across Malad, Manori, and Madh, areas falling under the P/North administrative ward.

The move is part of a pilot project focused on rejuvenating natural water bodies, improving biodiversity, and upgrading public green spaces in one of Mumbai’s densest suburban zones. Currently in the initial phase, the civic body is preparing to conduct a comprehensive survey of the selected lakes to assess their condition and determine the scope of rejuvenation efforts. The plan envisions cleaning, desilting, and enhancing the quality of the water, along with landscaping and beautification of the lake precincts. The initiative is being seen as a step toward building climate-resilient neighbourhoods and restoring urban ecosystems that have long been neglected.

Officials from the BMC have indicated that the P/North ward was chosen for this pilot due to its high density of natural water bodies. The ward contains approximately 18 lakes, many of which have suffered from years of pollution, neglect, and encroachment. The project will initially target 11 of these lakes, including Gaondevi Talav, Bhujale Talav, Ali Talav, Harbadevi Talav, Vanila Talav, and Bhati Talav. Most of these lakes are currently outside the jurisdiction of the BMC, under the control of the Mumbai suburban district collector. At present, only one—Lotus Talao in Malwani—is under the civic body’s direct management. In late 2022, the BMC had formally requested the transfer of at least 16 of the remaining lakes to enable cohesive and efficient execution of the rejuvenation project. However, the handover process remains pending.

During a high-level inter-agency review held over the weekend, a senior union-level official directed the collector’s office to expedite the transfer of the lakes to the civic body. The move is expected to enable immediate on-ground action, beginning with the detailed survey of the 11 shortlisted lakes. Officials emphasised that each water body has unique environmental and structural challenges, which would require tailor-made restoration strategies rather than a uniform approach. “Once the lakes are officially transferred, the survey will map pollution levels, sources of contamination, catchment degradation, and assess the extent of siltation and encroachment,” said a civic official familiar with the plan. The findings will inform individual rejuvenation blueprints for each lake, with restoration works to be carried out in phases based on complexity and ecological urgency.

Data gathered in preliminary assessments have revealed that several lakes in Malad suffer from poor water quality marked by elevated Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels—an indicator of organic pollution. Solid waste accumulation, sewage inflow, and poor sanitation around the lakes have led to severely diminished aquatic life and public health hazards. The restoration plan aims to reverse this degradation and transform the lakes into vibrant ecological and recreational assets. The rejuvenation effort is being positioned as a community-focused initiative aligned with Mumbai’s broader climate adaptation and environmental goals. Officials have confirmed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds will be tapped for financing the project, ensuring minimal burden on municipal budgets. NGOs and citizen groups are also expected to be roped in to assist with ground execution and environmental stewardship.

The proposal also resonates with the city’s ongoing shift toward zero-net-carbon and sustainable development. By revitalising local water bodies, the project hopes to improve groundwater recharge, enhance biodiversity, and reduce urban heat islands—issues that are critical for Mumbai’s future liveability and climate resilience. Urban environment experts have welcomed the initiative, stating that natural water bodies, when restored and managed well, can serve as crucial buffers against urban flooding, especially during monsoons. Moreover, lakes offer essential public spaces that can be inclusively designed to serve diverse communities, fostering gender-neutral, accessible, and equitable environments.

However, concerns remain regarding the slow bureaucratic processes that have historically hindered similar restoration projects. With several government agencies involved—including the BMC, the district collector’s office, and various state-level departments—the challenge lies in ensuring seamless coordination and accountability. Civic observers have pointed out that unless the lake transfers are swiftly executed, delays could derail the momentum of the initiative. Officials reiterated that once approvals are secured and lake boundaries are formally handed over, action will begin without delay. The survey outcomes will inform the master plans for each lake, and work will be rolled out based on ecological need, community relevance, and technical feasibility. The plan also includes long-term monitoring mechanisms to prevent future neglect and ensure that restored lakes remain clean, accessible, and well-maintained.

As the city continues to grapple with mounting climate stress, unplanned urbanisation, and resource scarcity, the restoration of these water bodies represents a rare convergence of ecological necessity and civic will. If executed as envisioned, the pilot project in Malad could emerge as a model for urban water body rejuvenation across the country—one that places nature at the heart of city-making.

Also Read :

BMC plans revival of 11 lakes in Malad and Madh