After mid-day highlighted the locals’ protest against the unplanned beautification of the Lokhandwala lake in Andheri, the contractor removed the construction material poured there earlier.
The Lokhandwala residents had united to protect the lake, stating that the beautification project would do more harm than good. The pressure from the nature-loving citizens has finally paid off.
Environmentalist Sumesh Lekhi, in a Facebook post, stated that not only has the construction material been removed, but a damaged portion has also been filled now.
“Photos taken by a nature lover on Monday show that the area has been cleaned,” the post stated. “The nature lovers are hoping that no further encroachment will take place as it is a protected forest…” More than 25 authorities are being informed about this important biodiversity area and the laws protecting it, it added.
Purple swamphen, garganey duck, coppersmith barbet, white-throated kingfisher, black kite, rose-ringed parakeet, spot-billed duck, Indian pond heron, black drongo, common myna, cattle egret, and Red-vented bulbul are found in and around the lake.
Surjitt Sahani
