“Spot the Lake” Contest Highlights Severe Hyacinth Infestation and Administrative Lapses at Powai Lake

Powai, Mumbai | Environment News:

A unique environmental awareness initiative, “Spot the Lake”, recently drew public attention to the alarming condition of Powai Lake, where dense water hyacinth infestation has nearly concealed the 210-hectare waterbody from view. The campaign underscored the ecological challenges facing one of Mumbai’s most prominent lakes and raised questions about the effectiveness of civic management.

Contest Reveals Severity of Lake Pollution

Organised by local environmental activists, the contest challenged participants to locate visible stretches of open water—a task that proved increasingly difficult due to the lake being almost completely overrun by invasive aquatic weeds.

Experts highlighted that the unchecked spread of water hyacinth is primarily driven by the inflow of untreated sewage, estimated at nearly 18 million litres per day, creating nutrient-rich conditions that enable the plant to thrive.

Civic Response Criticised as Insufficient

Activists and residents criticised municipal authorities, stating that efforts to control the infestation have been largely cosmetic. The deployment of a single mechanical weed harvester was deemed inadequate given the scale of the infestation and the size of the lake. Environmentalists stressed that sewage diversion and proper treatment are essential to restore the lake’s ecological balance.

Previous regulatory directions had called for long-term restoration measures, including sewage interception systems and the establishment of a dedicated treatment facility, but progress has been slow, allowing the lake’s condition to deteriorate further.

Call for Sustainable Restoration

The “Spot the Lake” contest served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustained, science-based restoration efforts rather than short-term or symbolic actions. Organisers emphasised that restoring Powai Lake is critical not only for maintaining biodiversity but also for protecting the ecological health of the surrounding Powai-Chandivali region.

Residents and environmentalists alike have urged authorities to take immediate and accountable measures to remove invasive species, treat inflowing sewage, and prevent further ecological degradation, ensuring that Powai Lake remains a vibrant and healthy urban ecosystem.