The beautification proposal includes concretizing the natural habitat of the lake with temple, jogging tracks, toilets, lights, open gym, bridge, Arena, Pavilion, Gazebo, Vistas, etc, which will be damaging to the ecology & biodiversity of the lake/wetland. In wake of similar construction carried out in various other lakes in Thane such as Upvan and Railadevi Lake, as a nature lover, I am extremely concerned about similar plans for Kavesar Lake.
As a resident of Hiranandani Estate for the past 25 years, I have seen a number of destructive activities compromising the size, quality and character of the Kavesar Lake. Below are few pointers for your kind consideration.
1. Kavesar lake is more than 150 year old wetland/lake with heritage trees (more than 50 year old trees). It is the only lake in Thane with white lotus: - a symbol of resilience, purity, spiritual awakening, and rebirth.
2. Kavesar Lake is a haven for many birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians: Local residents have documented at least 40-50 types of water and terrestrial birds (https://ebird.org/checklist/S53802176 including few migratory ones over a period of time due to its unique characteristics and location near protected Ramsar Site - Thane Flamingo Sanctuary. Currently, the lake is by and large undisturbed by loud noises, night lights or concretization which attracts various birds to its natural habitat. Additionally, reptiles, small mammals, amphibians, arachnids, and several types of butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, bees and other insects have been documented over a period of time.
3. Reclamation of pond: Google earth pictures and local residents have evidenced a second waterbody (a small pond) which existed within the "Zone of Influence" of Kavesar Lake. This pond and lake were interrelated and were emptying themselves into each other during monsoons (merging). Overtime dumping on the lake and pond have happened destroying a sizeable portion of the riparian & buffer zone of wetland / lake. Google Earth images of Kavesar wetland from the past clearly depicts both lake and adjoining pond.
We have already seen concretization impacting all other lakes in Thane destroying their riparian zone, ecology and wetland biodiversity. Considering that Kavesar Lake is the only lake in Thane yet to be concretized, we must try to preserve its natural ecology and set atleast one example of how to preserve a water body for other cities of India to follow.
Therefore, I beg the authorities and politicians with folded hands to reconsider their beautification plan and instead consider the following in interest of the ancient wetland and its biodiversity:
1. Do ground truthing exercise and map the Kavesar wetlands “Zone of Influence” and catchment area considering the current and historical google maps data. Any encroachments and debris dumped on its riparian and buffer zone needs to be removed and restored back to its original size. Kavesar waterbody needs to be preserved as per the “Urban Wetland Management Guidelines” issued on January 2021 by NMCG and endorsed by Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India (link enclosed - 40_Urban Wetlandwater bodies management guidelines.pdf) with the objective of establishing urban wetlands as part of city’s water fabric and nourishing them as a valuable contribution to local environment and biodiversity.
At present not a single wetland of Thane has been notified under the Wetland (Conservation and Management Rules) 2017. Thane, being a city of lakes, should have atleast have “one wetland” notified for protection under the Wetland Rules which will also incidentally help to meet the National target of India to conserve 30% of its area under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030 and comply with various NGT and Court decisions to protect and preserve water bodies of India.
Past newspaper headlines:
*33 man-made lakes are out of list, Thane sees 99.5% dip in wetlands | Mumbai news - Hindustan Times
* HC directs NMMC to remove encroachment from Lotus Lake in Nerul | Mumbai news - Hindustan Times
* Supreme Court order comes as a boon for Navi Mumbai wetlands | Mumbai News - The Indian Express
2. Reject all concretization proposals – Thane Municipal Corporation and its Commissioner must not concretize any portion of the natural lake or its zone of influence in the name of setting up toilets, jogging tracks, temple, lighting, beautification, etc. Any budget sanctioned should be effectively spent on nature-based solutions only which conserve the water body and its unique natural habitat and arrest the fast depleting biodiversity of Thane.
Declare Kavesar Lake / Wetland as a "Biodiversity Conservation Zone" or a "Heritage Site" being one of the most ancient lake of Thane.
3. Appoint a "Wetland Expert Committee" for Thane City with wetland & biodiversity experts which can advise TMC on how to conserve the Kavesar Wetland and improve its biodiversity.
Contrary to popular belief, urban areas support a rich diversity of wildlife. Urban ecosystems provide habitat for various species of animals, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. This urban wildlife plays a vital role in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control within urban ecosystems.
Despite the challenges posed by urbanization, cities can provide important refuges and habitats for many species, contributing to overall biodiversity conservation efforts. Understanding and fostering the biodiversity of urban wildlife is critical for maintaining healthy and resilient urban ecosystems.
Needless to add, wetlands sequester and store carbon atleast 3-5 times better than any tropical forest and also recharge the fast depleting ground water of Thane. India is now considered the capital of Groundwater Crisis in the world and ranked 120th among 122 countries in water quality index. To effectively prepare for the water crisis confronting India especially in this era of runaway global warming, we need to save the remaining water bodies and its biodiversity.
Hope the concerned authorities will draw upon their ecological wisdom to save atleast a single wetland & its biodiversity for future generation of Thanekars and thereby leave behind a legacy to be remembered by positively.