REGENRATION AND
MAINTENANCES OF
LAKES AND RIVERS
IN MUMBAI.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Sr no CHAPTER I
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Need
1.3 Background
CHAPTER II
2.1 Rivers in Mumbai
2.2 Lakes in Mumbai
CHAPTER III
3.1 Project on regeneration of lakes and rivers by M.M.R.A
3.2 Technology used for project of regeneration
CHAPTER IV
4.1 Maintenances strategy by M.M.R.A
4.2 Maintenances by B.M.C
4.3 Maintenances through personal and N.G.O
CHAPTER V
5.1 Use of regeneration water of lakes and rivers
5.2 Logistic and storage facilities
CHAPTER VI
6.1 Report of regeneration of lakes in Thane and its benefits
6.2 Report of world wildlife fund for nature on lakes in Mumbai
6.3
Rules and regulation for conservations of water bodies
6.4
Disadvantage regeneration of lakes and rivers
6.5
Advantage of regenerations and maintenances
CHAPTER VII
Research methodlogy
7.1
Questionnaire
7.2
survey
7.3
Personal interveiw
7.4
Bibliography
Following years of neglect by
governments, commerce and the public
alike, the
importance of the River
Ir
well as valuable asset in Manchester,
Salford and
Trafford
is becoming increasingly apparent. Its
benefits in terms of its historical legacy
as well
as its huge potential to drive economic,
social and environmental healing and
growth
are enormous. It is with this in mind that
plans are now underway to turn the tide
on
the years of neglect and once again
embrace the River
Irwell as a fundamental part of
the cities heritage and future economic
and social growth.
A number of key stakeholders are
involved in the development of this
regeneration
vision. These include Manchester,
Salford and
Trafford councils, Manchester Ship
Canal Company, Environment Agency,
Mersey Basin Campaign, local
businesses,
landowners, community groups and the
wider Manchester, Salford and
Trafford
communities. It has been recognised as
imperative to engage and consult all
stakeholders through a continuous
process of involvement, ensuring the
regeneration
vision compliments and builds upon
strategies and local objectives combined
with the
needs of the local community.
The vision to create a linear,
harmonised, vibrant and attractive
waterfront involves:
Boats, marinas and water based
activities to reclaim the riverside
heritage of the
Irwell
Integrating travel by water with the
transport network
Increasing waterside access and security
Creating opportunities for tourism,
leisure and recreation centred around the
river
Improving water quality for recreation
and leisure use
Enhancing terrestrial and aquatic
ecology
Using the river theme to unify buildings
and developments
Introduction
It is well known that Mumbai city is comprised of seven islands till 1857.
Gradually
with invasion the islands were merged by the invaders and now the entire city is
one
big island. The island city has a rich heritage of natural resources like the
forests,
lakes mangroves, etc. The city in the past was self sufficient in terms of the
basic
amenities like housing, food, water, electricity it provided to its inhabitants.
However
with growing population and pollution the city is now adding to the pressure on
the
adjacent districts for its water and electricity requirements.
It is common knowledge that Mumbai has three lakes i.e. Tulsi, Powai and
Vihar that
used to provide water to Mumbai residents. And unaware theire are 5 rivers in
Mumbai Very few actually know that the city is
blessed with many more in its BMC jurisdiction. These lakes and rivers are
either polluted by
human sewage or industrial effluents and have remained neglected with
increasing
urbanization. With depleting forests and water resources it is about time that the
existing lakes are given a chance to serve the society again.
NEED FOR RESEARCH
In the present scenario where the rains are delayed and most of Maharashtra has
received very little rains, Mumbai will have to reduce its dependence on the
adjacent
districts for its water requirements. Moreover there is very little to no data
available
on the existence of lakes and rivers of Mumbai. Several RTIs to the
government bodies also
revealed that there was a lacuna in terms of the availability of the data; as a
result
most of the water bodies are easily exploited. Hence the present study was
undertaken
to document the data on the existence and assess the physical condition of the
lakes.
RIVERS IN MUMBAI
1. Dahisar River is a river in the northern suburbs of Mumbai near the suburb of
Dahisar. It originates in the Tulsi Lake in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the
northern reaches of the city. The river is currently highly polluted with the
dumping of industrial effluents from workshops, and sewage from slums and
stormwater drains into it. The river was once so picturesque that Hindi films were
shot here. During 1956-57, crocodiles were witnessesed to be residing the river.[1].
The river empties into the Manori Creek.
2. River Mithi (also Mahim River) is a river in Salsette Island, on which the city of
Mumbai is located. It is a confluence of tail water discharges of Powai and Vihar
lakes. The river is seasonal and swells during the monsoons.
The river originates at Powai and meets the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek flowing
through residential and industrial complexes of Powai, Saki Naka, Kurla, Kalina,
Vakola, Bandra-Kurla complex, Dharavi and Mahim over a distance of about 15
km.
3. Oshiwara River is a river in Mumbai, India. It begins in the Aarey Milk Colony,
cuts through the Goregaon hills, across the Aarey Milk Colony before emptying
into the Malad Creek. On the way it is joined by another creek near S.V. Road.
4.Poisar River is a river in Mumbai, India. It begins in the Sanjay Gandhi National
Park and empties into the Marve Creek and finally into the Arabian Sea. The river
is nothing more than a mere stream when it begins and is contaminated with
industrial effluents and sewage.
LAKES IN MUMBAI
How we difine lake
There is considerable uncertainty about defining the difference between lakes and
ponds. For example, limnologists have defined lakes as waterbodies which are simply
a larger version of a pond or which have wave action on the shoreline, or where wind
induced turbulence plays a major role in mixing the water column.
None of these
definitions completely excludes ponds and all are difficult to measure. For this reason
there has been increasing use made of simple size-based definitions to separate ponds
and lakes.
There is no specific definition for Lakes in India. The word Lake is used loosely to
describe many types of water bodies natural, manmade and ephemeral including
wetlands. Many of them are euphemistically called Lakes more by convention and a
desire to be grandiose rather than by application of an accepted definition.
Vice versa,
many lakes are categorized as wetlands while reporting under Ramsar Convention.
India abounds in water bodies, a preponderance of them manmade, typical of the
Tropics
The manmade (artificial) water bodies are generally called Reservoirs, Ponds
and Tanks though it is not unusual for some of them to be referred to as lakes.
Ponds and tanks are small in size compared to lakes and reservoirs.
Lakes can be divided into three categories (trophic states) based on a lake's nutrient
and clarity levels.
Oligotrophic lakes are generally clear, deep and free of weeds or large algae
blooms. Though beautiful, they are low in nutrients and do not support large
fish populations. However, oligotrophic lakes often develop a food chain
capable of sustaining a very desirable fishery of large game fish.
Eutrophic lakes are high in nutrients and support a large biomass (all the
plants and animals living in a lake). They are usually either weedy or subject
to frequent algae blooms, or both. Eutrophic lakes often support large fish
populations, but are also susceptible to oxygen depletion. Small, shallow,
eutrophic lakes are especially vulnerable to winterkill which can reduce the
number and variety of fish. Rough fish are commonly found in eutrophic
lakes.
Mesotrophic lakes lie between the oligotrophic and eutrophic stages. Devoid
of oxygen in late summer, their hypolimnions limit cold water fish and cause
phosphorus cycling from sediments.
estimation. i.e. less than One acre as small (S) between one to three acres as
medium
(M), between three to six acres as large (L) and above six acres as very large
(VL)
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) was divided into three
zones as given in the Map. Zone I Colaba to Bandra and Kurla (West), Zone II
Kurla east till Mulund (Covering the central suburbs), Zone III- Khar till
Dhaisar
(Western Suburbs)
LAKE IN VERSOVA (DHAROLI VILLAGE) DIST BOROVALI
Zone 1 zone 2 zone 3
QUESTIONAIR
Date :_____________ Time : _____________
Google Information
Latitiude : ________________ Longitude : _______________ Image no. : ________
Landmark : __________________________________________________________
Closest Road : _______________________________________________________
Nearest Railway : _____________________________________________________
Field Data
GPS Latitude : ______________GPS Longitude : _______________ GPS
nos:____________
Landmark : __________________________________________________________
Closest Road : _______________________________________________________
Nearest Railway : _____________________________________________________
Lake as per Google information : Exists / Does not exist / Never existed / not located on
google
Name of the Lake : ____________________________________________________
Area of the lake : ______________________________________________________
Vegetation around the lake : Present / Absent.
___________________________________________________________________________
Vegetation in the lake :
________________________________________________________
Fishing activity : Present / Absent/
Lake use : Drinking / Bathing / Washing Clothes / Washing of Vehicles / Nearby farming /
Gardening
/ Collected in tankers / Boating / Surrounding used as Toilet / Not in use at all
Disposal activity :Nirmalaya / Rubble and construction material / Garbage / Sewage /
Effluents
released.
Encroachment : Local Residents / Builders / Government.
Around the lake : Temple / Mill area / High rise buildings / Old Housing Colonies /
Hutments /
Market / Garden / School / College / Office area.
Status of the lake : Clean / Looks clean but smells / Appears Polluted
The distribution of lakes in the different zones is as follows
Zone Numbers of lakes
Zone 1 8
Zone 2 11
Zone 3 51
The size wise distribution of lakes in the different zones is as follows
Zone I Zone II Zone III Total
Small 1 2 18 21
Medium 06 4 23 33
Large 1 3 8 12
Very large 00 1 2 3
The very large lakes are Powai, Tulsi and Vihar are also included in the
National conservation plan
NGOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN RELATION TO
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
Since the time immemorial, the human beings are highly dependent
upon the nature
forits various resources. In fact, the very survival of the human species
is wholly dependent
upon these natural resources. The ancient civilizations bore obligations
and gave utmost
respect to Mother Nature.
Thus there was a perfect coordination between human activities and
various natural
phenomena. Both were living happily. As human civilization started
becoming more
LIST OF LAKES IN MUMBAI
Sr no Locality As per google
Sites
Sept 2009 March 2012
1 Aksha 7 4 5
2 Andheri 9 7 7
3 Antop hill 2 0 0
4 Bandra 1 1 1
5 Bhandhup-nahur 7 1 1
6 Brovali 8 7 8
7 Chandivali 3 2 2
8 Charni road 4 1 1
9 Chembhur 5 5 5
10 Dadar 4 0 0
11 Dahisar 3 1 1
12 Daharavi 3 2 2
13 Elphiston 1 1 1
14 Fort 1 0 0
15 Gorai 2 3 3
16 Goregoao 4 6 6
17 Jogeshwari 4 2 2
18 Juhu 2 2 1
19 Khandivali 4 3 3
20 Kurla 3 1 1
21 Malad 9 5 5
22 Manori 8 6 6
23 Marol 6 3 5
24 Mulund 3 3 3
25 Parel lalbaug 1 3 0
26 Powai 4 3 3
27 Santacruz 1 1 1
28 Sewri-wadala 6 0 0
STUDY
documents the physical condition of the lakes in Mumbai. Apart from the three
lakes - Tulsi, Powai and Vihar that used to provide water to Mumbai residents,
there are many lakes in the Bombay Municipal Corporation jurisdiction that are
either polluted by human sewage or industrial effluents and have remained
neglected with increasing urbanization.
There is very little to no data available on the existence of lakes of Mumbai.
Several RTIs to the government bodies also revealed that there was a lacuna in
terms of the availability of the data; as a result most of the water bodies are
easily exploited. Under this study the baseline data was prepared with the help
of Google Earth website. The areas appearing to be lakes were marked on the
Google Earth Images. These were verified by the field staff through onsite
visits. The survey was conducted during September and October, 2008 and
March, 2009. The study considers only the fresh water lakes which were
accessible and saline water impoundments have not been considered.
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) was divided into three
zones. Zone I Colaba to Bandra and Kurla (West), Zone II Kurla east till
29 Sion 2 1 1
30 trombay 3 3 3
31 Vile parle 3 1 1
32 Walkeshwar 2 2 2
33 worli 3 2 2
Mulund (covering the central suburbs), Zone III- Khar till Dhaisar. The lakes
were categorized approximately depending on the sizes by visual estimation. i.e.
less than one acre as small (S) between one to three acres as medium (M),
between three to six acres as large (L) and above six acres as very large (VL). A
total of 129 sites were identified as potential lakes.
The study makes the following observations -
26 lakes did not have any vegetation within them but indicated
mesotrophic conditions, while the others were at different levels of
eutrophication. Based on the visual appeal only 25 per cent lakes
appeared clean.
All the lakes were found to be used for several purposes like drinking,
religious rituals, washing clothes or vehicles, gardening or farming etc.
Fish are the major indicators of the health of the water bodies. During the
study 33 per cent lakes showed signs of fish or fishing activity (i.e. 23
lakes). Of the 23 lakes one lake no longer exists. It was observed that the
lakes were facing major encroachment problems due to the usage pattern.
It revealed that the encroachments were done by local residents (53 per
cent); which were then handed over to the builders (21 per cent) and the
government agencies (26 per cent).
The comparative study in September-October 08 and March 09 revealed
seven lakes as seasonal. Such lakes are highly important as they act as
sponges during the monsoon and also helped in increasing the
groundwater level. However such lakes are most neglected and easily
encroached upon and need special attention
The study recommends that all the lakes be assessed for their chemical and
physical properties as well as the toxicity and metal content. Moreover
all the lakes should be conserved and protected from further degradation. It is
also necessary to implement the laws that exist to protect the lakes. The
municipal authorities will need to work towards cleaning up of the existing.
NAME OF LAKES AS PER ZONE
MOVEMENT BY NGO FOR PROTECTION OF LAKES AND
RVERS IN MUMBAI
industrially oriented, the things began to change. The industries were developed to
provide
better living conditions to mankind. However, during this development, natural
phenomena
were overlooked and were not given any significance. This human attitude started
working
like a slow poison. Mother Nature could not bear such inhumane assault on herself
and
started to give bad fruits to the wrong deeds of man. Such abuse of the natural
resources
has resulted in the major environmental issues that are posing direct threat to the
survival
of man and other natural elements within the biosphere. However, certain people
were
unable to tolerate such an attack on Mother Nature and began to think more logically
and
objectively to provide concrete solutions to various environmental issues.
Development for
the betterment of mankind was and is essential but not at the cost of the nature.
Thus
groups of the friends of environment started emerging gradually as the people
committed
for betterment of environment started to come together for this special cause to save
the
environment from being abused by their own species. These individuals soon
realized that
to prevent abuse of the environment, a concerted effort is essential; it is not a task of
a
single person. This then resulted in the formation of the NGOs or Non-Governmental
Organizations all around the world gradually.
Working in harmony : NGO in Mumbai and thane
Thane city has been bestowed with the beauty of Mother Nature.
Surrounded by
enchanting scenic hills of Yeoor forest along the western region,
beautiful Parsik hills on
the eastern region and a vast expanse of the famous Thane Creek that
joins the Arabian
Sea. Apart from these, Thane city had several beautiful fresh water
lakes. Unfortunately,
many of these have literally vanished or are on the verge of being
vanished. Thanks to the
human species again. However, NGOs working for the environmental
cause in Thane took
up this challenge of protecting the lakes and other deteriorating
environmental elements.
These NGOs are really doing a wonderful job within their own limits and
capacity to save
nature and environment from being abused. These NGOs are involved
in creating
awareness among the masses regarding different environmental issues.
Following is a
brief account of the work of NGOs working in the field of environment in
Thane city
.
Afforestation:
Trees are an important component of ecosystems. The lush green
forests are said to
be the lungs of human population, especially in the urban areas. One of
the inhumane
assault on nature by man is cutting down the trees and the forests all
over the world. This
has resulted in a severe environmental crisis. NGOs like Hariyali, HOPE
(Hear On Project
Environment), Vrikshavalli etc. are doing a very good job in massive
tree plantation. This
is being done with public participation at select areas, which have been
barren for past
several years. Hariyali has planted several thousand trees in different
places. Vrikshavalli
has implemented a novel idea of Seed First through their
AadhiBeejEkle campaign.
Jidnyasa trust is also doing lot of plantation with the help of their strong
force of volunteers
from various schools. These NGOs are planning to bring the lost
greenery back to the city.
Enviro-Vigil has started managing vast expanse of GavalidevForest
located behind NOCIL
along Thane- Belapur Road.
Water Conservation
Water is the most important and precious natural resource. Its proper
management
and conservation have become the most important activities on the
agenda of the NGOs.
The rain water harvesting programme has been successfully
implemented by Enviro-Vigil
(ParyavaranDakshataManch) in VasantVihar and Lokpuram residential
complexes prior
to the last years (i.e. 2003) monsoon. This year, Thane Municipal
Corporation has given a
major contract to Enviro-Vigil for rain water harvesting in Thane city.
Hariyali has successfully
implemented the construction of bunds in the Yevoor Hills to store rain
water. Jidnyasa is
actively involved in creating public awareness regarding the hazardous
effects of Ganesh
idol immersion on the flora and fauna of lake waters in the city. Enviro-
Vigil has conducted
a research project on this aspect. Enviro-Vigil is also in the process of
adopting technology
for waste water recycling.
Solid waste Management:
As of today, Enviro-Vigil is pioneer in the field of solid waste
management. Municipal
solid waste is hazardous to the health and hygiene of the people at
large. Its unscientific
and careless handling has resulted in severe environmental pollution.
Enviro-Vigil undertook
the challenge of managing the citys solid waste in the year 1998. So far,
the response
form the people in general has been fair. But the idea of managing the
solid waste is slowly
spreading through the society due to massive public awareness
campaigns being launched
byEnviro-Vigil. Enviro-Vigil has also set up a Common Bio-Medical
Waste Treatment
Facility for MUMBAI MUNICIPAL CORPORATION. This facility is
located in the premises of
form Mira-Bhayander, Vasai, Virar, NalaSopara etc. This has become
the most ideal system
and a role model as it is the first of its kind run by NGO, not only in
Maharashtra, but also
in India. Hariyali, and other NGOs like Vrikshavalliare also providing their
input in solid
waste management.
Nature Literacy and Awareness Programmes
Nature Literacy and Awareness Program
Schools, colleges and such educational institutions contribute little to the
environment
literacy. They have their own limitations as imposed by curricula. NGOs
can do a wonderful
job in this regard. Enviro-vigil has started a school entitled
ParyavaranShala (School of
Environment) in Thane city since last year. This school is open to the
students from 7th,
8th and 9th classes. In this school, informal education about nature and
its various elements
is given. Experts in various fields of nature and environment are the
resource persons.
Hariyali and Jidnyasa are also involved in nature literacy programmes.
Jidnyasa is providing
Para Military training to the students from 6th to 10th classes. Through
this programme,
students are introduced to various nature adventures. Enviro-Vigil
organizes a Nisarga
Mela on the 2nd October every year as a part of World Wildlife Week
Celebration. Hundreds
of students from various schools participate in daylong activities. HOPE
arranges nature
and wildlife film and slide shows on a regular basis by inviting eminent
naturalists and
environmentalists. HOPE and Hariyali have jointly set up a Nature Park
called Ritu-Chakra
(Cycle of the Seasons) near Kalwa bridge along the bank of Thane
creek. This was once
a dumping ground for dumping of the city waste. It also has a nature
education center.
Organizing Seminars, Workshops, etc
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ TERMINUS THANE-BELAPUR
ROAD, SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK, MAHIM NATURE
PARK,COLLEGES,SCHOOLS,etcThis facility
takes care of hospital waste from all types of city hospitals, clinics and
also of the hospitals
Open discussions and interactions with the counterparts form around the
nation is an
essential part of the environmental NGOs. Jidnyasa and Hariyali
organize seminars on
various environmental issues form time to time. Enviro-Vigil had
organized seminars on
Green Careers to provide information and resources regarding the
career opportunities
available in the field of nature and environment. This concept is
receiving a wide recognition
andEnviro-Vigil is planning to start a series of seminars based on this
theme throughout
the state of Maharashtra.
From this account, the state of the environmental activities conducted by
NGOs in
Thane city becomes clear. The NGOs certainly act as connecting link
between the Civic
administration, the Local Self Government and the general public. NGOs
thrive on a solid,
strong support provided by their strong force of workers. These are the
people who are
oblivious to a certain position in the organization, who are working with a
strong dedication,
motivation and commitment for the environmental cause. Knowing that
this is a thankless
job,
documents the physical condition of the lakes in Mumbai. Apart from the three
lakes - Tulsi, Powai and Vihar that used to provide water to Mumbai residents,
there are many lakes in the Bombay Municipal Corporation jurisdiction that are
either polluted by human sewage or industrial effluents and have remained
neglected with increasing urbanization.
There is very little to no data available on the existence of lakes of Mumbai.
Several RTIs to the government bodies also revealed that there was a lacuna in
terms of the availability of the data; as a result most of the water bodies are
easily exploited. Under this study the baseline data was prepared with the help
of Google Earth website. The areas appearing to be lakes were marked on the
Google Earth Images. These were verified by the field staff through onsite
visits. The survey was conducted during September and October, 2008 and
March, 2009. The study considers only the fresh water lakes which were
accessible and saline water impoundments have not been considered.
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) was divided into
three zones. Zone I Colaba to Bandra and Kurla (West), Zone II Kurla east
till Mulund (covering the central suburbs), Zone III- Khar till Dhaisar. The lakes
were categorized approximately depending on the sizes by visual estimation. i.e.
less than one acre as small (S) between one to three acres as medium (M),
between three to six acres as large (L) and above six acres as very large (VL). A
total of 129 sites were identified as potential lakes.
The study makes the following observations -
26 lakes did not have any vegetation within them but indicated
mesotrophic conditions, while the others were at different levels of
eutrophication. Based on the visual appeal only 25 per cent lakes
appeared clean.
All the lakes were found to be used for several purposes like drinking,
religious rituals, washing clothes or vehicles, gardening or farming etc.
Fish are the major indicators of the health of the water bodies. During the
study 33 per cent lakes showed signs of fish or fishing activity (i.e. 23
lakes). Of the 23 lakes one lake no longer exists. It was observed that the
lakes were facing major encroachment problems due to the usage pattern.
It revealed that the encroachments were done by local residents (53 per
cent); which were then handed over to the builders (21 per cent) and the
government agencies (26 per cent).
The comparative study in September-October 08 and March 09 revealed
seven lakes as seasonal. Such lakes are highly important as they act as
sponges during the monsoon and also helped in increasing the
groundwater level. However such lakes are most neglected and easily
encroached upon and need special attention
The study recommends that all the lakes be assessed for their chemical and
physical properties as well as the toxicity and metal content. Moreover all the
lakes should be conserved and protected from further degradation. It is also
necessary to implement the laws that exist to protect the lakes. The municipal
authorities will need to work towards cleaning up of the existing lakes and
encourage the adjacent dwellers to use and manage the ecosystems sustainably.
