After the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) made plans for the beautification of the Powai Lake to convert it into a tourist spot in its budget this year, the Development Control Regulations re
After the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) made plans for the beautification of the Powai Lake to convert it into a tourist spot in its budget this year, the Development Control Regulations released recently have made a special provision for the preservation of the lake.
The provision has been made under the development norms for No Development Zones.
The BMC has declared that an area of the width of 100 metres around the lake will be designated as an exclusive green belt. No construction will be allowed in this area in order to preserve the lake. This measure is expected to prevent soil erosion and silting in the lake.
The civic body will replicate these measures at the Vihar Lake as well.
Under these norms, certain areas are designated as Natural Areas (NA), implying that they are environmentally sensitive zones where construction is not allowed and the civic body will make provisions for uses permissible as per the notifications issued by the ministry of environment and forest. It may permit boardwalks, trekking facilities, and conveniences for visitors. An official from the development plan department said, “A natural area essentially means one that has to be preserved in its original form. Even though no construction is allowed, some controlled public access may be permitted.”
This provision has come apart from the BMC’s budget provision sanctioning Rs 5 crore for the beautification and maintenance of the Powai Lake.
