Mumbai: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has now written to the S ward of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (
BMC
) to stop spraying any chemicals, such as glyphosate (a
herbicide
) in the
Powai lake
as it is likely to disturb or affect the crocodiles and other marine animals that survive inside the landmark waterbody.
MPCB has given these directions following the recent complaint of an environmentalist of Vanashakti NGO,
D Stalin
, who had stated that plants such as
water hyacinths
were turning brown and also dying due to the spraying of glyphosate chemical on them.
Talking to TOI, Stalin said, "I am pleased that MPCB has taken corrective measures and directed the municipal body to stop spraying chemicals into
Powai
lake. Several Indian marsh crocodiles, which are protected species that cohabit in the lake, along with fish and other marine creatures can be severely affected by the use of glyphosate to eradicate water hyacinths."
The MPCB letter, signed by regional officer J S Hajare and submitted to the S ward office of BMC, stated, "The use of glyphosate may further cause long term effects on the aquatic environment of Powai lake."
Powai based environmentalist Elsie Gabriel commented, "Was any environment impact assessment report finalized before giving the contract to spray chemicals on water hyacinths in the lake? Any random knee-jerk action to clean the water body can prove detrimental to the environment."
Gabriel further said, "Already, with the peripheral concretization of the lake from all sides, including the isolated areas where crocodiles come out to bask, the Powai lake is in danger of serious damage. A few years ago, citizens had strongly protested against the installation of water fountains and fancy musical fountains in the Powai lake, but BMC had adamantly done so. Today, all these fountains are lying defunct and rusting inside the waterbody, which is, therefore, a waste of public money and common sense."
Meanwhile, Stalin added, "We are awaiting the formal response of BMC on the use of chemicals. We are also opposed to the construction of a cycle track around the lake area. Several trees have already been cut for this track project, and crushed stones have been dumped into the water, which is bad for the environment."
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