Powai Lake - Lake Rejuvenation

Lake Rejuvenation

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.

• 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.