POWAI INFO

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Powai Lake

Location
Mumbai

Coordinates
19.13°N 72.91°E

Catchment area
6.61 km²

Basin countries
India

Max. depth
12 m

Surface elevation
58.5 m (191.93 ft)

Settlements
Powai

Powai Lake (named after Framaji Kavasji Powai Estate) is an artificial lake, situated in the northern suburb of Mumbai, in the Powai valley, where a Powai village with cluster of huts existed. The city suburb called Powai, shares its name with the lake. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay one of the premier institutions of science and technology in India is located to the east of the lake.^[1] Another famous institution, the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) is also located close to the lake. Housing complexes and plush hotels are developed all around the lake periphery. Population around the lake has thus substantially increased over the years.

Powai Lake is located downstream of the Vihar Lake on the Mithi River

When it was built, the lake had a water spread area of about 2.1 km² (370 acres) and the depth varied from about 3 m (10 ft) (at the periphery) to 12 m (40 ft) at its deepest.^[2]

The Powai Lake has gone through many stages of water quality degradation. The lake water which used to supply to Mumbai for drinking water has been declared unfit to drink. The Lake still remains a tourist attraction.^[3]

Contents

[hide]

• 1 History
• 2 Access
• 3 Hydrology and water quality
• 4 Lake rejuvenation
• 5 Desilting project
• 6 Fauna
• 7 Flora
• 8 Powai Lake views
• 9 References
• 10 External links

[edit]History

A stream tributary of Mithi river, which served the Powai village’s water supply needs, was dammed in 1891, during the British period, initially to augment water supply to the then Bombay city (now called Mumbai), by constructing two dams of 10 m height each to store the rain waters flowing from the lower slopes of the Western Ghats and streams from the eastern and northeastern slopes of hills.^[4] It was planned as an antiwater famine measure, to the southeast of Vihar Lake (a much larger lake) also for water supply to Mumbai city.^[5]

Before the lake was built by the British, in the year 1799 A.D., the estate where the lake is now located was leased on a yearly rent to Dr. Scott and after his death in 1816 A.D., the government took control of the estate in 1826 A.D., and leased it once again to one Mr. Framaji Kavasji, a Parsi merchant, after whom the lake was named when it was built in 1891.

The drinking water supply objective of the lake was abandoned in the early 1990s, in view of poor quality of the water stored, caused due to pollution, water hyacinth and weeds, untreated sewage and large silt deposit. The lake was, therefore, leased out to the Western India Fishing Association, a quasi government organisation who used it for both fish culture and angling. Later, the Bombay Presidency Angling Association was formed in 1936 and later in 1955, under the Societies Registration Act 1860, it was registered as “The Maharashtra State Angling Association” (MSAA) and the lake is now under their control. Realising the gravity of the environmental pollution of the lake, the MSSA has revised its constitution,

to actively care for, clean, develop, maintain, and beautify the Environment at Powai Lake.

MSAA is now involved with a) removal of water Hyacinth infestation, b) supporting research with Fisheries Dept.for conservation of the Indian Mahaseer,c) Water quality analysis d) and augmenting security.^[2]

[edit]Access

The lake is about 40 km (25 miles) from Mumbai by road and is approached via King’s Circle, Sion, and Kurla or through Santa Cruz andAndheri.^[6] Kanjurmarg on the central main line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway is the nearest railway station to the lake.

[edit]Hydrology and water quality

It is reported that the average rainfall at Powai is about 2540 mm (85 inches), and the lake overflows for about for sixty days each year. The overflow from the lake flows into the Mithi River. Silt studies conducted in 1995 estimates that 450
0 lakh cubic metres of silt has been deposited in the lake since its construction.^[2] It supplied two million gallons of water to Bombay (now Mumbai) when it was built. Following the constrcution of the Tansa dam and caetion of the reservoir, in 1892, Powai waters were used for irrigation.^[7] The lake drains a catchment of 6.61 km² (part of the Powai-Kanheri hill ranges which also drain into the adjoining Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake). The dam, built in stone masonry has a height varying from 3 m to 6m with top level of the dam kept at E.L. 58.5 m (with Town hall datum).^[8] Government of Maharashtra reports that due to eutrophication of the lake water from untreated sewage and garbage from nearby residential and slum colonies, the lake water is unfit for drinking water use. Hence, the lake is now used for recreation, gardening, cattle washing and fishing. The water of the lake is also supplied to Aarey colony and L&T for non domestic uses. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level at the bottom of the lake is reported to be 0.71 mg/litre and at surface 4.11 mg/litre, average value of pH is 7.2 and COD is 42.70 mg/litre on the surface and 119 mg/litre at the bottom of the lake.^[9]

[edit]Lake rejuvenation

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Appreciating the problem of silting, growth of water hyacinth, weed, and eutrophication of the lake, the IIT Bombay’s Class of 1980 launched a "Revitalization of Powai Lake” with the objective of restoring the lake to its original pristine and sustainable form by adopting Eco-friendly designs and materials for the restoration works.^[10]

Some of the tasks proposed to be undertaken with the funds donated by IIT, Bombay included:

• Removing water hyacinth and weeds from the lake in parts nearest to the campus

• Starting a publicity and an awareness program in the area

• Building embankments, walkways and pathways to the lake

• Constructing a large gazebo for an evening (or morning or afternoon) by the lake

• Planting trees, and creating a garden

• Installing docks, deploying boats and canoes

• Allocating funds for annual maintenance

The project was proposed to be professionally managed with a project manager working under directives of IIT Bombay with an “Oversight Committee“ to monitor objectives set for the restoration work.

In 1995, the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoE&F),Government of India, reviewed the condition of Powai Lake and included the Lake in its list of ten major lakes in the country for revival and improvements. The restoration/revival programme, fully funded by the NLCP, was launched in April 2002, and implemented by Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) now called Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Government of Maharashtra and as a result the status of the lake has undergone a major shift from the hypertrophic condition to mesotrophic condition by adopting a novel technique of aeration and bioremediation. This has resulted in the lake being used for fishing and recreational purposes.

[edit]Desilting project

The Lake’s water depth is reported to have reduced to as little as 0.33 m (1 feet)at some locations, on account of the large inflow of sewage,domestic waste water and silt from surrounding residential and industrial areas.^[11]

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has therefore plans to desilt the Powai Lake at a cost of US $ 9 million.^[12]

[edit]Fauna

Large number of crocodiles on the lake side have been sighted on the shores of the lake and also reported by fishermen and officials of IIT, Powai.^[13] White throated kingfisher, small blue kingfisher, spot-billed duck, spotted dove, a few purple moorhens, purple rumped sunbirds, bronze winged and phaesant tailed jacanas, ashy prinias, brahmany kite, Red vented, red whiskered and white browed bulbuls, cormorants, lesser whistling ducks, grey, purple and pond herons, little, intermediate and large egrets, little grebbe, perigrine falcon, greater coucal, rose ringed and Alexindrine parakits, eurasian marsh harrier(possibly winter visitor), wooly necked stork (winter visitor) hopooe & whiskered terns. butterflies, honey bees, bumble bees and beetles have also been sighted.^[14]

[edit]Flora

Balsam bushes, in their full bloom, in pink-purple color are seen around the lake periphery, like a carpet.^[15]

[edit]Powai Lake views

Powai Lake

A view of North Mumbai as seen from Powai Lake

Powai Lake – Before Heavy Showers of Rain

Powai Lake – After Heavy Showers of Rain

Link: Planet Powai Online

By: Special Correspondent

Powai – 10 February 08 : The
beneficiary party, the residents of Powai have always opposed the Powai
Lake beautification project stating that the makeover will destroy its
natural beauty. Despite their ire the beautification project has kicked
off. Recently, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Tree
Authority has passed a proposal to cut 27 trees along the lake. The
trees have now been marked with notices: “This tree is proposed to be
removed as it is coming in the work of the proposed Powai Lake
beautification.” Residents suspect the Projects department’s proposal
to hack the trees is to facilitate a jogging track where once stood the
Scout’s camp area.

In
an email to PP on the notices pasted on the trees recently, Sunish
Subramanian, founder-secretary of PAWS, wrote to the superintendent of
gardens on January 28, requesting realigning of the jogging tracks so
that the trees are spared. “You may send your subordinate along with us
for a site visit so that an alternative way can be planned,” stated the
letter.

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Sunish
said, he hadn’t received any communication from the authorities. “In
fact, we have sent the authorities two more letters in the first week
of February but it’s all in vain,” he said, adding, “the markings have
been put up so slyly that in some cases they are completely hidden
behind the branches. Besides the authority also has to make a newspaper
announce, which I’ve not seen yet.”

Vivienne
Chaudhury, a crusading resident and naturalist of Hiranandani Complex
said to media persons, “The jogging tracks are supposed to benefit the
health-conscious people of the area. Ironically, hacking of even one
tree is only going to cause health problems in this already polluted
locality. Jogging tracks are not like driving tracks, they can be
easily constructed around the trees.”

Meanwhile,
Jayraj Phatak, head of the Tree Authority, defended their stand saying,
“We have done a survey and only the trees necessary to be cut for the
beautification will be hacked.” When asked if the trees would be
replanted elsewhere, he said, “I don’t remember. In every meeting, we
pass several proposals to cut trees and I can’t recall which tree is
going to be replanted.” What a reply from a civic head!

However, not ready to allow the hacking of Powai’s last green stretch,
the residents have now decided to demand a public hearing on the
matter. Chaudhaury said, “We are not going to let this happen.
Unfortunately, it is futile to have meetings with the tree authority
since they appear to have no power, whatsoever. But we have to convince
the BMC to save the trees.”

Link: Planet Powai Online

By: Elsie Gabriel

Powai – 10 February 08 : February
3rd saw the Naushad Ali field station inaugurated at the Maharashtra
State Angling Association (MSAA) followed by a seminar on Urban
wetlands environmental status and economics, at the Powai Lake.

The
function was well attended by environmentalists, educators and
scientists. Powai Corporator Dr. Anjali Darade, Dr. S. Yeragi, Dr.
N.Tekale, Dr. P. Madhuri, M. A. Ghani, Gordon and Anita Rodricks, Dr.
Sanjay Joshi, Jalal Kazi, Elsie Gabriel, Pooja Makhija, Dr. Pramod
Salaskar, Shaffique Siddique among numerous other dignitaries were
present. M. S. Vibhute BMC Engineer along with Dr. M. S. Kodarkar chief
of the Indian Association of Aquatic Biologists, inaugurated the field
station at the MSAA.

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“Ultimately
the revival and de-silting will make the Powai Lake a major tourist
attraction. We are trying our level best to keep the bio-diversity in
mind while doing so,” Voiced M. S. Vibhute while making an extensive
presentation on the outline of the schedules involved.

Both
Raju Naushad Ali and Ikbal Naushad Ali, sons of Naushad Ali the eminent
celebrity composer were sentimental but elated about the eventful day
with the environment, Saying, “Our father was inspired by the Lake and
enjoyed it’s natural serene beauty. Hopefully it will be a source of
inspiration to many generations to come too.”

Dr.M.S.Kodarkar
also voiced his hope for the revival of the lake saying, “The united
concerted efforts of the public, government, environmentalists and
scientists can bring around proactive changes required to save the
lake. Surely some day it will be of international status.”

Regarding
Lake Habitat, outlined Gordon Rodricks VP of the MSAA “The fishes in
the Lake are equally important. We have the Catla, Rohu, Mrigal,
Calbose, Mahaseer, Gouramy, Silver carp and Tilapia too. We have
numerous aquarium fish too.” Rodricks further added about conducting
various workshops along with environmental associations like the Oasis,
Young Environmentalists Program, Somaiya College and ENVIRO Vigil as
well as numerous science colleges, “We educate the next generation
about the bio-diversity and ecology of the lake. We need to pass on
nature’s gift intact to the next generation.”

It is said that this lake was included in "National Lake Conservation
Plan" by MoEF, GoI in the year 1991 but the scope of work is large says
Prof. Pramod Salaskar who organsied the eventful date, “There is a lot
of work to be done. Quality of Powai Lake Water can be elevated by
using Bioremediation.” Hopefully the jewel of Powai will be conserved
after all?

Link: DNA – Mumbai – ‘Powai can be one of world’s best lakes’ – Daily News & Analysis.

Experts believe concerted efforts are needed to protect and maintain the lake’s ecosystem

MUMBAI: One of the major weekend attractions in the city, Powai Lake has been subjected to continuous abuse over the years, which has posed a threat to its ecosystem. However, Dr MS Kodarkar of the Indian Association of Aquatic Biologies, Hyderabad feels that the lake has a potential to be at par with Lake Michigan or any other lake in the world.

Kodarkar, who was in the city recently to inaugurate the Naushad Ali Memorial Field Station at Powai, said, “The biggest advantage Powai Lake has is its catchment area. Supported by Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the lake stands every chance of revival, provided conservation efforts are put in.

Lake basin management and protection of catchment area play a crucial role in conservation. The municipal corporation should make budgetary allocations for annual maintenance of the lake.”

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Kodarkar said the lake had a rich ecosystem supporting a variety of birds, including migratory birds, and aquatic life. Referring to the ongoing beautification of the lake by the BMC, Kodarkar said, “There is no harm in it, but it should not eat away the catchment area. It has been seen that after beautification, a major portion of catchment areas disappear.

Nature has the capacity to rejuvenate itself if the water quality was maintained properly.”

“The best way to conserve the lake is formation of a committee involving people and civic administrators. Lake ecology is very fragile and even a minor damage can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem. The municipal administration should also undertake annual desilting of the lake,” Kodarkar said.

a_ashwin@dnaindia.net

Link: Mulund-Powai Plus – Save the wetlands, News,.

Save the wetlands
Posted On Saturday, February 02, 2008

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day various organisations and citizens group undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and its benefits

Qasim Mehdi

February 2 is celebrated as World Wetlands Day (WWD) throughout the world as the occasion marks the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, which is situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Though WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997, it made an encouraging beginning.

And now, every year, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community take advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and its benefits.

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Likewise, Enviro-Vigil, an organisation has initiated a drive to save the mangroves along the Thane creek. Asserting unplanned urbanistaion and pollution as the major reason for the decline of mangroves, Dr Nagesh Tekale, a reader in Botany and one of the directors of the organistaion, says, "There are about 11 species of mangroves in the Thane creek, however, there is a 10 per cent decline in the quantity of mangroves in the Thane creek."

Moreover, Professor Vidyadhar Walavalkar, Managing Director, Enviro-Vigil, says, "The water in the Thane creek has become sluggish and polluted.

The reason behind the same is the construction of bridges at various spots. The debris of the construction material prevents the inflow of fresh water from Mumbai thus reducing the PH balance from nine per cent to seven per cent. This affects the proper growth of mangroves and makes them weak to withstand environmental and physical changes.

" He further adds that due to the decline of mangroves the number of migratory birds has drastically gone down.
He further adds that the pollution has also contributed a lot towards the decline of wetlands of the suburb. "The sewage water let in the Thane creek is often untreated and thus acts as toxins for the mangroves. It also affects the growth of zoo planktons (protein rich microscopic organisms) which is the favourite food of fishes and other creatures that dwell in the creek."

Advantages of  wetlands  Wetlands provide habitat for plants and animals such as amphibians, fish, reptiles, mammals and birds Wetlands help control flood waters by acting like a giant sponge, absorbing water during heavy rainfall then slowly releasing it back into the ecosystem Wetlands can assist in erosion control as they are often located between water bodies and high ground.

The roots of the vegetation help to protect soil from high impact events such as wave action or heavy rainfall events Wetlands are important culturally and for recreational activities Wetlands enhance water quality as they act like giant kidneys, purifying and processing nutrients, suspended materials and other pollutants

Link: Mulund-Powai Plus – ‘The lake might look artificial’, News,.

The lake might look artificial’
Posted On Saturday, January 19, 2008

The proposed beautification of Powai lake has miffed the local residents who say that the project isn’t being planned properly and some have even said, post beautification, the lake might lose its natural beauty

Elsie Gabriel

The beautification of the Powai lake has had the local residents angry as the authorities haven’t taken into consideration the residents. The whole beautification procedure, lament residents, was reportedly outlined by the government body and merely presented to the public.

Experts say, the lights and music, if added, will definitely disturb the wildlife and the lake life

According to the plan, the authorities are planning change for a makeover of the lake and planning to introduce coloured lights and a musical fountain within the lake.

Says Debi Goenka, an environmentalist from BEAG, "I have opposed to the reduction in the size of the lake as the revamp means further reclamation along the scout camping ground. Having a fountain in the lake would change the character of the lake and make it look artificial. The lights and music if added will definitely disturb the wildlife and the lake life," he complains.

Locals say that citizens want to come to the lake to just enjoy the nature, get some tranquility, and not any instrumental music or an artificial fountain. "The surroundings will get polluted with noise from the music. It will disturb the natural balance of the lake, it will also be a ridiculous waste of money," outlines Powai resident Fred Hamilton.

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However residents allege that the environmental assessment, which is vital when such a makeover is planned, isn’t done properly.

An environmental assessment is vital before taking on such a gigantic project. However several of them allege that no consultations were taken into consideration before hand and this would involve high risks having future repercussions.

Sahu elaborates further, "After the beautification, one side of the lake is bound to appear beautiful, but a major section of the lake will still remain ugly. We need restoration and action on the entire span of the lake, not just in parts," he says.

While many are opposed to the plan, some say that the planning cane be done more aesthetically. "A series of smaller fountains if aesthetically distributed can be more favorable than having a single gigantic one. This makeover is bound to keep the feathered creatures away from the lake," points out Prof C K Sahu.

Another resident of Powai Asha Panemanglore, who raised the question on the environmental sustainability at the Powai lake says that the increase in tourist would badly affect the traffic situation in the area.

"Where is the place for parking at the lake front if it becomes a tourist spot and who will control garbage thrown by visitors," she asks.Questions Vivienne Choudhary of the Young Environmentalists Program at Powai, "The assessment is a must, which would surely identify recognized environmental conditions both within and adjacent to the proposed project site. If it will be harmful to the water bodies of the lake, the best solution is to shifted it to the other side."

The beautification plan should encompass physical, chemical and biological relationships that take place in and around the Powai Lake. Keshav Murugan resident of Hiranandnai Gardens opines, "We should not have a musical fountain. The lake should be dredged and fishes should be released into the lake.

" Celebrated singer Hariharan, also a resident of Powai lays the stress on cleaning up the lake first. "I feel that we need to clean the lake of weeds and debris first. No matter if cannot make it a Brindavan, but at least beautify the periphery and also lighten it up."

Several residents however are sure that the project is going to take ages to get completed. "The mere the process of de-silting the lake took the authorities a decade or more to workout, and even if the beautification is done, it will take lot of time," says another resident.

Link: Planet Powai Online

We need to come together and what better site than the Boys Scout Lake on ADS Marg area itself to see for oneself the work-in-progress at the Powai Lake for its revival and beautification! Time – Sunday 27th January at 5pm.

“If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to sleep in a room with a mosquito” – Author unknown.

By: Elsie Gabriel

Powai – 27 January 08 : Thinking about what the Powai Lake is up to? Perhaps you recently heard someone say, "We need to know more about the lake-beautification and management plan! Where will the silt be dumped? What about the debris filling on the boy scout area? I wonder what the size of the Lake is now. Will the bund method being used as a means to de-silt lake, also be used to clean the whole area of the lake? What will happen to the natural surroundings, trees, birds, crocodiles and fish?" One’s responses may include- Why bother? What for? What is it? Let what is going on -carry on, who cares?

There is no doubt that the Powai Lake is seeing hectic de-silting and beautification which is being done in all honesty for the benefit of the Lake itself. Of course it has been a big effort on the part of the Government. And of course lake beautification and it’s planning has benefits, but before a lake authority embarks on a planning effort, there are important questions to be answered. With a clear understanding of why and what is planned?

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The relationship and association of the concerned Powai citizens and the Powai Lake is really quite deep for many. Without questions being answered, ongoing beautification and cleaning efforts all seem one sided though! We, the locals today need to be informed participants with clear expectations and an understanding of the process which are keys to successful outcomes.

A ‘Powai Lake Monitoring Program’ can be formed by all concerned citizens who have been silently yet deeply following the on goings of the size, environment, eco-diversity, habitat, de-silting and pollution of the Lake; not forgetting the traffic jams also associated with the roadside near the Lake!

A waterbody is a place where public and private rights meet. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 can be effectively used to phase out certain unsound practices and ensure safeguards for threatened wetlands. Partnership works best; assists and educates people who have questions.

The monitoring committee can discuss and have an indepth information of the aspects of the Powai lake ecosystem including water quality, cleaning and wildlife, lake borders and catchment area’s, recreational use and others as opposed to a narrow view of just one element or "problem" alone. This can be done with a proactive approach and interaction with the respective government body’s in-charge continuously. Ideally, in the plan these elements are considered in detail and have goals and associated strategies, priorities, schedules and assessment reports which are shared to guide implementation of projects to protect and improve the whole lake.

That’s a tall order! But to get to a comprehensive know how in the middle of work already half begun will take time. Ultimately each one concerned simply wants to know what is happening to a major NATURAL landmark of Powai which is the Powai Lake! Several concerned active citizens have taken several concrete steps to communicate with authorities about the lake but sometimes to no avail. So, we need to come together and what better site than the Boys Scout Lake area itself to see for oneself the on going work of the Powai Lake revival and beautification! Time – Sunday 27th January at 5pm.

Link: The Kanjur Marg Blog » Powai.

Powai Lake
Powai Lake is a large artificial lake, situated in a northern suburb of (Mumbai). The suburb called Powai, shares its name with the lake. This is where Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and National Institute of Industrial Engineering(NITIE) is located. Currently the problem of silting is troubling this once serene lake and work is going on to cure it of its hyacinth population.

The nearest Mumbai Suburban Railway station to reach the Powai Lake is Kanjurmarg. The contemporary saga of this Lake and emerging suburb of Mumbai is reported and chroniciled by a community newspaper called PLANET POWAI.

History
Powai as a location is basically famous because of the Powai lake and it is believed that the present location of Powai Lake was the original Powai Valley — a central village, with several clusters of huts each having its own well. Powai village was also served by a rivulet resulting from the rain waters of the lowest slopes of the Western Ghats, now seen as the hillock on the South end of the Lake, with streams from the Eastern & North eastern slopes of hills.

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The authorities during the British regime intended to augment the water supply to Bombay City by creating a lake from this rivulet and in 1891 this was achieved by constructing two stone dams across two hillocks each dam was and still is about 10metres high. The spread of the water body thus achieved was about 370 acres or 2.10 Sq Kilometres and the depth varied from about 10 ft (off periphery) to 40 ft at its deepest. The lake is about 17 miles from central Bombay.

Powai Lake was built by the British at an initial cost of Rs 6.5 lakh in 1890. It was named after Framaji Kavasji Powai Estate, which was given to one Dr Scott in 1799 on payment of yearly rent of Rs 3,200. After Dr Scott’s death in 1816, Powai was taken back by the government in 1826 and leased once again to Framaji Kavasji, a Parsi merchant. At the time, Powai lake supplied two million gallons of water to Bombay. However, after Tansa Lake became a more viable option, in 1892, Powai was turned over to the picnickers.

However, after all this effort by the authorities it was found that the waters of Powai were polluted and unfit for drinking various studies were conducted which repeatedly confirmed these findings till finally the project was abandoned. Then Powai Lake was leased out to the Western lndia Fishing Association a quasi government organisation who used it for both fish culture and Angling but later the Bombay Presidency Angling Association was formed and approved by the then Bombay Govt.