Thane civic body to launch study of exotic, endangered species living in 37 lakes

THANE: The Thane municipal corporation will launch a detailed study to identify and understand biodiversity including presence of exotic and endangered species of marine life staying in all 37 lakes in the city, civic officials informed.
The development comes close on the heels of the Thane municipal corporation receiving flak from the forest department and animal welfare activists after three protected species of turtles, several fishes were found dead after it emptied the Rayladevi lake in Wagle estate for desilting without considering impact on the marine life inside. The corporation was apparently unaware of protected species inhabiting the water body and accordingly failed to alert the forest department nor did it invite any experts before undertaking the work.
“We will undertake a detailed study and record individual biodiversity of each of the 37 lakes in the city for future reference. A plan of action will soon be charted out along with the forest department and animal welfare activists. The idea is to get a better understanding and maintain a record of the individual biodiversity of each of the lakes,” informed a senior official from the pollution control department at the Thane corporation.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Desale, range forest officer, Thane, confirmed that there have been only three protected dead turtles found from the spot and 10 exotic ones have been rescued the following day. “We have continued our search operations at the spot and will rescue and rehabilitate any marine life that is spotted. We have directed the corporation to increase water level at the existing makeshift pond created at the lake bed till the rescue operation is not completed,” Desale told TOI Saturday.
Animal welfare activists have demanded a probe by the corporation and suspension of officials whose negligence has apparently led to the death of several fishes and three turtles. Forest department has sent turtle carcass for analysis and registered a case under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.