The satellite township of Navi Mumbai, with a total area of 344 km2,
was developed in 1972 by CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation)
to de-congest the city of Mumbai. Initially a marshy land interspersed with
villages, Navi Mumbai has been developed into a planned township, with much
of its marshes and freshwater wetlands being converted into urban infrastructure.
Navi Mumbai is a rapidly developing twin city. In the course of development,
it was realized that more emphasis needs to be given towards the preservation
and sustainable management of the freshwater wetlands it harbours. However,
there is a general lack of awareness, among all sections of the society, about
the resource potential of these ecosystems. The water harnessed in the freshwater
bodies is an important source of drinking water for human and cattle consumption.
In the rural settings, the ponds are often used for cultivation of fish and
contribute to the socio-economic needs of the local communities. In the urban
set ups, in addition to other potential benefits, the water bodies are also
looked upon as a recreational area. The growing pressures of industrialization
and urbanization are taking a heavy toll on these vital ecosystems. A cursory
survey by TERI of few such wetlands in Navi Mumbai area indicated that these
are being destroyed at an alarming rate, due to several anthropogenic activities
like dumping of solid wastes including debris, release of sewage, and destruction
of catchment areas.
Given the vulnerability of these wetlands and their resource potential, there is an urgent need to develop a framework for sustainable use of freshwater wetlands. This requires efficient management systems and development of sustainable models, which would help maintain the natural characteristics of wetlands while also exploiting its potential to meet the socio-economic and recreational needs of communities. To tackle this important aspect, TERI conceptualized a pilot project with active support of CIDCO. The Khandeshwar Lake was chosen as a model to demonstrate the feasibility as a ‘sustainable wetland’.
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| Khandeshwar Lake complex, spread across an area of 4.2 hectares, comprises of a freshwater spring-fed lake, 125-year old temple, ample of wooded area, and an unused guesthouse building. |
The salient features of this project are listed below.
The project is the first
unique demonstration effort in the entire MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region).
Setting up of an ERC (Educational
Resources Centre), which will focus on freshwater ecosystems. The objective
of the Centre is to generate scientific information through research, compilation
of data in the form of a database and books, and dissemination of information
through awareness programmes for educational institutions and visitors to
the centre. The ERC would organize special nature trails for students.
Developing a comprehensive
revenue-generating model by creating recreational facilities such as boating,
theme park, and cafeteria to ensure self-sustainability.
Integration of green technologies,
green building concepts, exploring possibilities of rainwater harvesting,
renewable energy applications, and responsible disposal of biodegradable waste
through composting or biomethanation.
Developing a dedicated project
portal for uploading relevant information.
Public participation and
awareness at various stages of the project.
Creation of livelihood options
for the local community.
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| Reflections - the inaugural function that marked the beginning of this project | As a preamble of this inaugural function, TERI has already initiated a public awareness campaign through performing skits, segregating the waste collected at the premises for vermin composting, and so on, with the help of local college students |
The schedule of the inaugural programme is given below.
Poster competition on ‘Preserve
Khandeshwar Lake’, with participation of 50 school children.
Talawachi khanta: a skit
on careless disposal of solid waste in the lake conceptualized by local college
students
Shramadan (physical clean
up of the lake and surroundings) by NSS students.
Announcement of ERC project
link on CIDCO’s website
Display of information on
fresh water and renewable energy applications.
Planting of a sapling to
launch the project at the hands of Mr G S Gill, Managing Director, CIDCO