MMRDA & TMC have undertaken the beautification of Railadevi lake. The project entails developing recreational spots at the periphery of the lake including Amphitheatre, walking tracks etc. 

Nestled amidst a bustling locality, Railadevi Lake is a go-to spot for citizens. Also known as ‘Lotus Lake’, it is home to wildlife species including the protected soft-shell turtles. Several birds including Herons call Railadevi Lake their hang-out spot for food and leisure. The lake is surrounded by thick vegetation including many trees planted by NGOs and citizens. 

This vibrant ecosystem of the Lake is now being brazenly destroyed by Thane Municipal Corporation and MMRDA.

The not-so beautiful things about the project: 

a.      Unscientific de-siltation of the lake has killed many turtles, tortoises, and fishes: TMC-empanelled contractors began the de-siltation process using JCBs without involving any experts. The contractors drove these JCBs over the lakebed while draining out 95% of its freshwater water. This monstrous way of de-silting led to the killing of many soft-shell turtles and exotic tortoises, and left thousands of fishes gasping for air. 

 

 

b.      Riparian zone of the lake destroyed: Over the past year, contractors have dumped debris to reclaim portions of the lake. Thereafter, covering the slope of the lake and carrying out hard-stone pitching through gabions. Experts say these slopes may also be the nesting habitat of the turtles and other aquatic life. 

Besides, the slopes are important as they support growth of macrophytes (aquatic plants). These shallow parts also facilitate breeding activities, which further becomes a preying habitat for birds and other creatures.  

c.       Trees to be cut & transplanted: Next, MMRDA along with TMC will undertake the cutting of 5 and transplantation of 112 trees from the area immediately surrounding the lake. These trees have been nurtured by the local citizens and NGOs over many years. TMC has not made public the tree survey, transplantation method, location etc. There has been no hearing whatsoever despite several objections sent by the citizen activists.

d.      Beautification of a thriving lake without any expertise: There has been no limnologist, hydrologist, ecologist or any other expert appointed either by MMRDA or TMC to study the lake and design the implementation of the project in keeping with the lake’s ecology. 

e.      No permission from the Forest Department: TMC and MMRDA have been carrying out the beautification project without any intimation to the Forest Department despite there being a presence of protected species such as Soft-shell turtles.

f.     Plans unavailable in the public domain: MMRDA has not uploaded the DPR of the project or any other planning document making it difficult for citizens to understand the scope and expanse of the project. Such concealment of data only makes the entire project further questionable. 

In times of Climate Change, we cannot look away from the destruction of our natural spaces. 

Hence, we demand that the Hon’ Municipal Commissioner, Thane Municipal Corporation & MMRDA to

1.       Change the scope of the current project to Rejuvenation and Restoration of Railadevi Lake.

2.      Appoint an independent expert committee to chalk out the next steps. 

3.      Follow guidelines of the National Lake Conservation Plan.

4.      Organise a public hearing involving the local populace. 

5.      Immediately suspend the officials who carried out de-siltation, killing the fishes, tortoises, and turtles. 

Thane, which is known to be a city of lakes, has seen the abysmal treatment meted out to these lakes. Despite spending crores of taxpayers’ money on beautification, the state of these lakes has never improved. The fundamental reasons for this are – no application of science, urban planning, or public participation. 

We urge you to sign this petition to save Thane's Railadevi Lake.