Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will soon prepare a status report on the 36 lakes mapping the quantum of encroachments and ecological damage suffered by these water bodies over the last few years.
The decision was taken at the standing committee meeting on Tuesday after corporators raised the issue of damage wrecked upon the water bodies in various parts of the city in the name of its conservation and beautification. Corporators blamed the administration alleging how it was casting a blind eye towards the neglect of the lakes as its contractors blatantly end up dumping debris inside these natural bodies.
The first ever meeting conducted after the standing committee was formed last week, after the 2017 elections, saw visible action being proposed for preserving the natural water bodies that have given Thane its identity of being a city of lakes.
Corporator Naresh Manera pointed out how the Dawale lake was witnessing elimination under the guise of beautification while BJP corporator Manohar Dumbre said the Turfepada lake in his ward was also witnessing similar deterioration. He questioned how the administration approved such plans to damage the water bodies in the city.
Corporator and standing committee member Shailesh Patil from Diva also echoed the same adding the administration has been neglecting the repeated complaints made to them about the lack of cleanliness undertaken in the Diva and Khidkali lakes since the last several years. BJP corporator Narayan Pawar suggested registering a cognizable offense against those found causing ecological harm to the water bodies.
Standing committee chairman Ram Repale asked the administration to prepare a report of the status of the lakes and compare it with the last few years to analyze the damage done to it and present it during the next meeting.
I have asked the pollutcion control department to table a status report about the lakes. Comparing the size of the lakes and its depth will give us idea of the damage and be able to take and suggest corrective measures