Expert panel opposes projects on Upvan lake

The Asian Age.  | Sonali Telang

Metros, Mumbai

The panel was formed only after the high court order directing the state to notify its wetlands.

The expert committee constituted by the Thane collector has been tasked with surveying the wetlands and studying their biodiversity. (Representational image)

Mumbai: Thane may soon lose two of its wetlands with the Thane Municipal Corpor-ation (TMC) proposing development projects on two lakes. The TMC has proposed a floating stage on the Upvan lake, one of the largest lakes in Thane, while the site will also be used for conducting the last rites.

However, an expert panel constituted by the Thane collector for surveying the wetlands has asked the TMC to stop the proposal. The panel was formed only after the high court order directing the state to notify its wetlands.

Following the high court order, only five lakes in Thane city have been notified as wetlands i.e. the Upvan, Masunda, Siddheshwar, Thane Jail, and Railadevi lakes.

The expert committee constituted by the Thane collector has been tasked with surveying the wetlands and studying their biodiversity. The TMC recently cleared two proposals worth Rs 22 crores. “The work of constructing the compound wall in the lake has begun.

According to the HC order, no new development project or construction is permissible in the notified wetlands and the site has to be restored if there has been any work,” said Rohit Joshi, Thane-based activist and committee member.

Environmentalists have highlighted that Thane city, known for its wetland cover, now has only five wetlands notified, and that the development work will hamper the ecosystem of these lakes.

“We do not even know if the floating stage for the art festival held on Upvan lake is temporary or permanent. But in any case, it is going to destroy the biodiversity of the lake. Excessive lighting and concrete could lead to loss of marine life,” said Correia Clara, another member of the expert committee.

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