After Six Years of Citizen Activism, Lokhandwala Lake Cleanup Finally Begins

Mumbai, May 16: In a landmark moment for environmental activism in Mumbai, the long-awaited cleanup of Lokhandwala Lake has officially begun, marking the culmination of over six years of tireless efforts by concerned citizens and environmental advocates.

Once a flourishing urban ecosystem, Lokhandwala Lake had suffered years of neglect, overrun by invasive plant species, algae blooms, and indiscriminate littering. On Friday, a ceremonial coconut-breaking marked the commencement of the cleanup project, spearheaded by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) following the receipt of a renewed No Objection Certificate (NOC) and appointment of a dedicated contractor.

Local MLA Haroon Khan, who played a key role in securing administrative approvals, confirmed that machinery would be deployed immediately following the ceremony. "This is a significant step forward, but not the last," Khan stated, assuring residents that sustained efforts will follow to curb future dumping and ensure long-term preservation of the lake.

While the cleanup is a major victory, local residents believe the real work has only just begun. They are now advocating for Lokhandwala Lake to be declared a conservation reserve, akin to Navi Mumbai's DPS Flamingo Lake, in recognition of its ecological significance. Home to over 150 species of birds, nearly 10 species of fish, and encircled by mangrove forests, the lake plays a critical role in Mumbai’s urban biodiversity.

The Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA), co-founded by Dhaval Shah and actor-activist Karan Jotwani, has been at the forefront of the campaign. Their persistent engagement—ranging from cleanup drives and official representations to petitioning the State Human Rights Commission—has brought the lake’s plight into the public eye.

“Our work doesn’t end here,” Jotwani emphasized. “Proposals for parks and commercial beautification won’t solve the problem. We need scientifically informed restoration and sustained protection.” He warned that without long-term planning, the lake risks returning to its degraded state.

Noted naturalist and writer Sunjoy Monga echoed the concerns of the activists, stressing the need for a methodical approach that prioritizes the wellbeing of aquatic life and avian habitats. He recommended placing security guards and CCTV cameras at vulnerable points to deter illegal dumping and fishing.

The lake’s legal status remains a contentious issue. Despite a 2022 directive by then Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray urging the mangrove cell to consider the lake for forest land designation, it still falls under the jurisdiction of the Collector’s Department. However, with political will and community support converging, change could be on the horizon.

For now, residents and environmentalists alike are celebrating this hard-won progress—hopeful that Lokhandwala Lake is on its way to becoming not just a cleaner body of water, but a protected natural haven in the heart of the city.