Mumbai: BMC has complained about this National Green Tribunal, Pune, that it is “virtually prevented” from being accessed On the banks of Powai Lake Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Hotel Renaissance and other private lessees. It further alleged that the existing kutcha road along the wall of the hotel premises is being used by lumpen elements and drug addicts.
In its affidavit, the BMC said that the proposed walkway is necessary for proper protection and maintenance of the lake and will enable civil maintenance staff to reach all parts of the lake.
The forest department in its affidavit has suggested setting up of a team of wildlife experts to study the lake habitat of crocodiles, with special emphasis on nesting and basking sites.
The affidavit was filed in response to an application by NGO Vanshakti against the construction of cycle track by the BMC around the lake.
“…BMC may then take steps to prevent sewage from joining the sewage pipe directly through culverts/pipes or through storm water drains,” the affidavit said.
The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday before the tribunal. BMC’s counsel claimed that IIT does not listen to BMC, to which NGT said it is the duty of BMC to regulate construction and IITs should be prosecuted for violation of law. The tribunal held that land is a state subject under the Constitution.
On this BMC claimed that IIT is not allowing him to go till the lake. The NGT said it will order the police to provide security to the BMC.
The forest department in its affidavit said that it is a freshwater lake and not part of any forest or protected area and is located within the territorial limits of the BMC.
“The lake has a good population of swamp crocodiles, which have been living here for several decades and (we) anticipate adverse impacts due to pollution and construction of cycling and jogging tracks,” the affidavit said.
The forest department has suggested setting up a team of wildlife experts as marsh crocodiles have been accorded the highest level of statutory protection under the Wildlife Protection Act. It said the team should be allowed to study the crocodiles’ lake habitat, with particular emphasis on nesting and basking sites.
“The cumulative effect of continued pollution from multiple sources provides a high possibility that crocodiles may be affected over a long period of time by fish depletion, chemically induced diseases or malfunctions in reproductive physiology. Chemicals may also be used. Stopped,” the affidavit reads.
The NGT has finally heard all the parties and reserved the matter for passing final orders.
In its affidavit, the BMC said that the proposed walkway is necessary for proper protection and maintenance of the lake and will enable civil maintenance staff to reach all parts of the lake.
The forest department in its affidavit has suggested setting up of a team of wildlife experts to study the lake habitat of crocodiles, with special emphasis on nesting and basking sites.
The affidavit was filed in response to an application by NGO Vanshakti against the construction of cycle track by the BMC around the lake.
“…BMC may then take steps to prevent sewage from joining the sewage pipe directly through culverts/pipes or through storm water drains,” the affidavit said.
The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday before the tribunal. BMC’s counsel claimed that IIT does not listen to BMC, to which NGT said it is the duty of BMC to regulate construction and IITs should be prosecuted for violation of law. The tribunal held that land is a state subject under the Constitution.
On this BMC claimed that IIT is not allowing him to go till the lake. The NGT said it will order the police to provide security to the BMC.
The forest department in its affidavit said that it is a freshwater lake and not part of any forest or protected area and is located within the territorial limits of the BMC.
“The lake has a good population of swamp crocodiles, which have been living here for several decades and (we) anticipate adverse impacts due to pollution and construction of cycling and jogging tracks,” the affidavit said.
The forest department has suggested setting up a team of wildlife experts as marsh crocodiles have been accorded the highest level of statutory protection under the Wildlife Protection Act. It said the team should be allowed to study the crocodiles’ lake habitat, with particular emphasis on nesting and basking sites.
“The cumulative effect of continued pollution from multiple sources provides a high possibility that crocodiles may be affected over a long period of time by fish depletion, chemically induced diseases or malfunctions in reproductive physiology. Chemicals may also be used. Stopped,” the affidavit reads.
The NGT has finally heard all the parties and reserved the matter for passing final orders.
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