Vihar Lake reels spark concern as visitors enter Mumbai's crocodile-inhabited waters

Visitors gather near the overflowing Vihar Lake during the monsoon. Forest officials say the surge in social media content has led to more people entering restricted areas. File pic/Satej Shinde

The hunt for the perfect Instagram reel is turning into a conservation nightmare at Vihar Lake, with Forest Department officials reporting a sharp rise in people illegally entering restricted areas - and in some cases the lake itself - to shoot videos.

A screenshot from a viral Instagram reel shows crowds gathering near Vihar Lake, raising concerns over increasing trespass into protected areas; (right) A person is seen swimming in Vihar Lake in a viral reel despite the area being off-limits and home to crocodiles

Officials told mid-day that the problem has worsened this monsoon as lush greenery around the lake attracts influencers, YouTubers and photographers. Many, they said, ignore warning boards and venture into prohibited forest patches for dramatic shots, putting themselves and wildlife at risk.

Forest officials barricade access to a restricted stretch near Vihar Lake as the department steps up patrols to curb illegal entry; (right) A screenshot shows a content creator encouraging people to visit Vihar Lake

What worries officials the most is that some visitors have been filming inside the lake, despite it being home to Indian marsh crocodiles (muggers) and having witnessed drowning incidents in the past.

The department has now decided to intensify patrolling around the lake, especially on weekends and public holidays, and warned that trespassers will face legal action.

What officials are concerned about...

. Trespassing into protected forest areas
. Entering crocodile-inhabited waters
. Disturbing wildlife
. Increasing the risk of drowning
. Encouraging copycat visits through social media

Voice of officials

Pradeep Chavan, Range Forest Officer, Tulsi Range, SGNP
‘To curb the menace, we have decided to increase patrolling around Vihar Lake and its surrounding forest patches, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Surveillance will be strengthened, and anyone found illegally entering the protected area or violating forest laws will face strict legal action.'

What the law says...

Pawan Sharma, advocate and wildlife conservationist
‘Under the Wild Life Protection Act, hunting is not limited to killing an animal - it includes acts that disturb wildlife or even attempts and preparation. Carrying scissors or a matchbox can lead to a person being booked for hunting. Vihar Lake has several Schedule I and Schedule II species. Such violations can attract a fine of up to R1 lakh, imprisonment of up to seven years, or both.'

Wildlife around Vihar Lake

. Leopards
. Indian marsh crocodiles (muggers)
. Sambar deer
. Spotted deer (chital)
. Small Indian civets
. Asian palm civets
. Mongooses
Officials say increased human movement can disturb these animals and increase the chances of human-wildlife conflict.

mid-day found

During a review of Instagram posts, mid-day found several reels showing people filming inside or close to restricted parts of Vihar Lake and adjoining forest areas.

Officials said many creators also share directions to these locations, encouraging more visitors to enter ecologically sensitive zones.