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Powai Lake
Why in News?
In Maharashtra, locals launched a campaign to save Powai Lake, aiming to raise awareness about pollution and the spread of invasive weeds like hyacinths.
Key Points
- About the Powai Lake:
- Location and Origin:
- Powai Lake is an artificial lake located in the northern suburbs of Mumbai.
- It was constructed in 1891 by building a dam across the Mithi River between two hillocks.
- Hydrological Features:
- The catchment area of the lake spans approximately 600 hectares.
- At its full supply level, the lake covers a water spread area of about 220 hectares.
- The lake water is primarily used for non-potable purposes such as gardening and industrial activities.
- Current Environmental Concerns:
- In recent years, over 40% of the lake has shrunk due to urban pressures.
- The lake’s condition has worsened with the rapid expansion of residential, commercial, and industrial zones around it.
- The discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste, particularly from nearby slums and residential settlements, has severely impacted water quality.
- Inclusion Under the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP):
- In 1995, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoE&F), under the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP), assessed the deteriorating condition of Powai Lake.
- As a result, Powai Lake was selected as one of ten major lakes in India identified for restoration and ecological improvement.
- Restoration Efforts:
- The revival programme for Powai Lake was fully funded by NLCP.
- Restoration work was officially launched in April 2002.
- The programme was implemented by the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC), now known as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- Location and Origin:
National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP)
- Until 2012–13, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) extended financial support to States and Union Territories under two separate schemes:
- National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP) – for identified wetlands, including some lakes.
- National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) – for urban and peri-urban lakes.
- To ensure better coordination and prevent duplication of efforts, the NWCP and NLCP were merged in February 2013.
- The merged initiative is now known as the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA), a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at the integrated conservation of all aquatic ecosystems.
Water Hyacinth
- Water hyacinth, scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), is an aquatic weed common in waterbodies across South Asia, including India.
- This is not an indigenous species but was introduced to India during British colonial rule as an ornamental aquatic plant from South America.
- The plant produces beautiful purple flowers that have high aesthetic value.