Mumbai News: NGT Orders Joint Committee To Assess And Recommend Remedial Measures For Deteriorating Powai Lake

Mumbai: Taking suo motu cognizance of a letter petition highlighting the severe degradation of Powai Lake, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the constitution of a Joint Committee to verify the factual position and recommend urgent remedial action to restore the iconic Mumbai waterbody.

The Principal Bench of the NGT, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member), passed the order while hearing Original Application which was initiated based on a detailed letter addressed by Dr. Rakesh Bakshi, a member of the DK Flag Foundation and a resident of Powai.

In his petition dated March 26, 2025, Dr. Bakshi painted a grim picture of the lake’s deteriorating condition, stating that 80% of Powai Lake’s surface is covered with invasive water hyacinths, severely impacting oxygen levels and threatening aquatic life, including its native crocodile population. He also highlighted the inflow of over 10.9 million litres of untreated sewage daily, which has rendered the lake toxic and lifeless.

The letter further accused the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of delayed and inadequate response, despite multiple representations. Dr. Bakshi urged the NGT to intervene, citing Powai Lake’s significance to Mumbai’s biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and potential for eco-tourism.

Acknowledging the environmental concerns raised, the NGT noted that the matter involves substantial questions relating to the environment, under the enactments listed in Schedule-I of the NGT Act, 2010.

The tribunal ordered the formation of a Joint Committee comprising: members from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),m Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Maharashtra State Wetland Authority.

The committee has been directed to meet within two weeks, conduct site inspections, associate with the applicant and project proponents, and submit a report with suggested remedial measures. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has been appointed as the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.

The Tribunal also directed the Registry to issue notices to the State of Maharashtra, BMC, Maharashtra State Wetland Authority, and MPCB, asking them to file their replies within two months.

The NGT has directed that the Joint Committee’s report and the responses from respondents be submitted before the Pune Bench within one month.

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Dr. Bakshi’s petition, which was supported by photographs and media reports, appealed to the NGT to ensure that the alleged sewage inflow to be halted, pollution is curbed, and that environmental experts are involved in a sustainable restoration plan.