State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 10 Jun 2025

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).

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.