Hopefully, Bandra Talao will always stay clean

Representation pic

After an avalanche of complaints, opinions and much back 'n' forth, including excuses over Bandra Talao, also known as Swami Vivekanand Sarovar, rejuvenation work has finally begun near Bandra railway station, where the lake is located.

Those following the Bandra Talao story will recall the numerous controversies, scotched proposals and some initiatives that have come to naught to breathe new life into this talao.

The latest is that the BMC, which floated a tender for the project in December 2025, began work on January 12, 2026. The talao has now been emptied, and desilting is underway.

We are told that we will have more details in due course. Those who have been following the tumultuous journey of this talao will be hoping that this rejuvenation truly works and the talao regains some of its past glory.

A look at its history shows that the strategically located Bandra talao is a manmade lake. The lake is a grade II heritage site and was formerly known as Lotus Tank or Pink Talao, as the lake was covered with lotus flowers. The maintenance of the 200-year-old talao was taken over by the BMC and was renamed Swami Vivekanand Sarovar. The talao was functional during 1990s with boating facilities.

Hopefully, this work should be the final and successful effort in breathing life into this once beautiful lake. Let the work adhere to timelines, be of high quality, lasting and make this body of water accessible to people. We are fortunate to have this lake in buzzing Bandra. Clean up, re-awaken, beautify, and maintain a jewel amidst the urban sprawl.