Quality Checking and Conservation of Lakes in Navi Mumbai Region

Abstract

Majority of lakes in Navi Mumbai are polluted, says a survey of 35 lakes in the city conducted from December 2018 to April 2019. The area which is surveyed freshwater lakes from Digha to Belapur, only six lakes were relatively clean while the remaining 29 had water unfit for human consumption. The study was conducted to get informative data of Navi Mumbai’s lakes for future developmental decisions. In those 35 lakes which were identified using Hydrology surveys and field survey, the study found more than 60% of lakes were polluted, 13% had a foul odor and only 20% were clean. While water from 36% of lakes was being used to wash clothes, vehicles and animals were washed across 19%, and another 19% were used for bathing. However, no industrial waste were being released into any lake. All lakes are used for idol immersions, dumping of solid waste like food remain, plastic covers and nirmalaya [flower waste]. At certain lakes, the water appeared blackish brown with an oil film on the surface. Majority of lakes appeared polluted and because of that the water is unfit for aquatic life as well as for daily use. Debris and construction material was also found dumped at the edges of a few lakes. If properly maintained, these lakes can be helpful for many purposes. They can help to regain the beauty of surrounding as well as it can also help of ground