Mumbai’s Powai Lake to Be Sewage-Free in Two Years: BMC’s ₹40 Crore Cleanup Plan

Mumbai, India: In a major step towards restoring Powai Lake, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a ₹39.37 crore project to divert untreated sewage from the lake. The initiative follows a 2022 survey that revealed 10.9 million litres of sewage flowing into the lake daily through 15 culverts along Adi Shankaracharya Marg.

Following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in March 2022, the BMC appointed a consultant to draft a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Now, tenders have been invited for the project, which is expected to be completed within 18 months (excluding monsoon delays).

BMC officials stated that the culverts were originally rainwater drains meant to recharge the lake, but over time, sewage contamination led to excessive vegetation growth, harming biodiversity. While Powai Lake was initially built in 1891 to provide potable water to the city, it is now used only for industrial purposes due to pollution.

Vanashakti NGO director Stalin Dayanand, who filed the NGT petition, welcomed the move, emphasizing that Powai Lake is a heritage site and home to freshwater crocodiles. He also urged the BMC to recharge the lake with treated water to maintain its water levels.