Powai Lake( Mumbai), Crocodiles and their Problems
By Madan G Singh, 30th Jul 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutNewsEnvironment
Powai lake is afresh water lake in Mumbai and is home to crocodiles for ages. They are now threatened by man made structures
- Powai Lake and the crocodiles
- Powai Lake and the crocodiles
- The Crocs are Threatened
- Religious Festivals and the Crocodiles
- Last Word
Powai Lake and the crocodiles
Powai Lake is a small lake in the North of Mumbai. Around it a set of posh buildings and a colony has emerged. With the lake as a background the buildings coming up or already constructed have high real estate value. This construction has had a deleterious effect as lake area has shrunk by 30%. Lately the authorities have awoken to the fact that and have started getting the lake cleaned and spruced. This by itself is a good thing. But people who matter have not thought of the crocodiles that inhabit this lake.
Powai Lake and the crocodiles
The beautification of the lake and its surroundings must take into account the welfare of the original inhabitants of this lake, the crocodiles. These number about 70 in all and have been home here for many centuries. There is no doubt that the crocodile’s life style has been affected adversely with the construction and beautification plan.
The Crocs are Threatened
Firstly the crocodile’s access to the shores of the lake has been severely curtailed. The crocodiles use these shores every day to bask in the sun. The culprit is the constructed parapet walls which are too steep for the crocodiles to climb and come onto the land. It is matter of regret that nobody thought of the crocs in the lake, so intent they were in trying to beautify the lake for man.
It must be noted that the crocs come daily on land and lay eggs. This will become difficult for them and a man animal conflict could be in the offing. Again the beautification plans includes setting up some fountains in the lake. These look nice to the naked human eye, but would disturb the crocodiles that have lived in these serene waters for centuries. I wonder if these fountains can be stopped all together.
Religious Festivals and the Crocodiles
The crocodiles are a precious commodity and in the present environment, where wild life is at a premium, their survival is in the interest of everybody. The lake itself needs to be cleaned and is still dirty with sea weeds and garbage floating around. In fact during the immersion festivals during Ganpathy when idols of the God Ganesh are immersed in the lake in thousands is the worst time as this ceremony ends in polluting the lake to no end.. This also needs to stop. Surely no God wills destruction of any natural habitat.
Last Word
Along with the crocs, the lake is a habitat for several bird species, who will also be disturbed with the water fountains in the lake at a number of places. It is a matter of regret that no wild life expert was consulted for this beautification drive. It is still not late and it is hoped that the natural habitat of the crocs in Powai Lake will not be destroyed.
Comments
30th Jul 2012 (#)
Excellent piece, highlighting points that should be considered before undertaking any venture that affects the environment.
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Thank ypu Uma
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Oh yes nature should be what makes a lake beautiful.. not fountains.
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Thank you Mark for commenting
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
This is another story of human greed which has pushed the environmental conservation to back seat! Mumbai is one of the biggest commercial city in the World, here money power is predominant! No body is having time here for the poor crocodiles or the nature! Nice article dear Madan! I appreciate your efforts! Thanks!
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4th Aug 2012 (#)
Thank you AK
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Madan stunning article highlighting the plight of not only the people but the animals themselves definitely a top environmental concern.
Best Wishes
stevetheblogger
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5th Aug 2012 (#)
Thank you Steve
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4th Aug 2012 (#)
great article this and thanks for doing it...we need more realistic crusaders to speak their minds...and write wise pages...
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5th Aug 2012 (#)
Thank you cnwriter
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5th Aug 2012 (#)
Thoughtful post written with much feeling, thanks Madan. I resonate with your words that we are selfish - siva
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5th Aug 2012 (#)
Nice comment Siva
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11th Mar 2013 (#)
Nobody in Mumbai or all of India for that matter cares about anything except money. You think anyone is going to give a damn about the crocodiles !!!
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