NGO NatConnect Foundation initiated the petition over two months ago and continues to receive a steady response. As of Tuesday evening, around 3150 people had endorsed the appeal
Dead fish and plastic waste seen in the lake on July 19. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
While aquatic life in Powai Lake is already under threat due to the rampant growth of water hyacinth and alleged discharge of untreated sewage, Mumbai-based environmentalists are appealing to devotees of Lord Ganesh and Durga Mata to avoid immersing idols in the lake. An online petition supporting this cause has already gathered significant traction, with over 3000 environmentally conscious Mumbaikars signing in support.
NGO NatConnect Foundation initiated the petition over two months ago and continues to receive a steady response. As of Tuesday evening, around 3150 people had endorsed the appeal. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has only recently begun the process of inviting tenders to divert raw sewage and establish treatment plants at Powai Lake. Environmentalists claim the lake is severely polluted due to the continuous flow of untreated sewage.
“The aquatic life in Powai Lake is already facing serious threats from untreated sewage and the widespread growth of water hyacinth," said BN Kumar from NatConnect Foundation. “Immersion of idols during Ganpati and Navratri festivals will further deteriorate the lake’s condition. We appeal to devotees to refrain from using the lake for idol immersion.”
Devotees immerse their Durga Mata idols at Powai Lake on October 12, 2024. FILE PIC
According to environmentalists, even the BMC has acknowledged that approximately 18 million litres per day (MLD) of untreated waste enters the lake. NatConnect has written to both, the police commissioner and municipal commissioner, urging them to issue clear guidelines ahead of the upcoming Ganesh festival, which begins in less than a month. Idol immersions are expected to commence from Day 2 of the celebrations.
Rohit Joshi, a member of the Lake Conservation Committee of the Thane Municipal Corporation, said, “The online petition, which has drawn support from over 3000 citizens, reflects growing public concern and awareness about the lake’s deteriorating health. True devotion must also include protecting the natural environment that sustains us. The essence of our worship, which celebrates life and creation, is compromised when we harm natural water bodies. Therefore, we urge all devotees of Lord Ganesh and Durga Mata to opt for eco-friendly immersion methods or use specially designated artificial ponds.”
Joshi further emphasised that preserving Powai Lake is not just an environmental necessity, but also a sign of responsible citizenship and deep respect for both nature and faith. “The health of our water bodies is intrinsically linked to the spiritual well-being of our communities,” he added.
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