Restoration work finally starts at historic Bandra Talao after years of neglect

The talao has been emptied, and desilting operations are underway. Pics/Shadab Khan

After years of complaints over deteriorating conditions at Bandra Talao, also known as Swami Vivekanand Sarovar, rejuvenation work at the historic lake near Bandra railway station has finally begun on the ground.

The BMC, which floated a tender for the project in December 2025 following repeated complaints from residents and activists, began work on January 12, 2026. The talao has now been emptied, and desilting operations are underway.

Confirming the development, Krashank Desai, junior engineer (maintenance) from the BMC's H West ward office, said, "The desilting work on the talao has started and we will be getting further details from the contractor in the coming days."

What is happening at Bandra Talao?

>> Talao has been emptied
>> Desilting work has begun
>> Restoration work started on January 12, 2026
>> Project tender was issued in December 2025

Concerns raised over desilting plan

Former municipal councillor and Mumbai Regional Congress Committee Vice-President Asif Zakaria questioned the lack of transparency around the restoration process. According to Zakaria, key details regarding the quantity of silt, removal targets and ecological impact remain unclear.

Key concerns raised
>> No clarity on the total silt accumulated in the talao
>> No details on how much silt will be removed before the monsoon
>> Restoration work expected to pause by May-end due to rains
>> Fear that excessive desilting could damage natural underground springs feeding the talao

"Without this knowledge, it is difficult for us to know if the restoration work would damage the natural springs of the talao or not"
- Asif Zakaria

Zakaria added that any damage to the natural springs could affect the long-term integrity and sustainability of the lake itself.

Contractor yet to respond

mid-day contacted the project contractor seeking details about the desilting plan and methodology, but no response was received till press time.

About Bandra Talao

Feature Details
Official name - Swami Vivekanand Sarovar
Location - Near Bandra railway station
Importance - Historic urban lake and public space
Current concern - Silt accumulation and deteriorating condition

Timeline of the project

Date Development
December 2025 - BMC issues rejuvenation tender
January 12, 2026 - Restoration work begins
May 31, 2026 - Likely halt before monsoon