After a city-based NGO highlighted the high level of pollution in Powai Lake, which supplies water to Aarey Milk Colony and industries in the area, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) has demanded a status report on the matter from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and state environment department.

The Hindustan Times, on July 14, 21 and 26, had reported that a study conducted by Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), an NGO, showed that sewage discharge into the lake has increased pollution levels to five times the safe limit, making the water unfit for consumption and causing a 75% in drop in native fish species in the last two decades.

The MoEF’s National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) sent a letter to BMC’s additional municipal commissioner and secretary of state, environment department, highlighting a complaint filed by PAWS. “The NGO has highlighted several issues associated with conservation of Powai Lake. The representations provided by the NGO speak for themselves. It is, therefore, requested that the matter be investigated in detail, an action be taken and status report be provided to this Ministry, on priority,” read the letter by RN Jindal, director, NRCD.

BMC officials said they will conduct a water quality test from August 3 to 6. “We have instructed municipal laboratories to check water samples twice a day. After getting results, the matter will be investigated with departments such as sewage operations, storm water drains and nearby wards,” said a senior official from the civic body’s hydraulics department.

Meanwhile, PAWS filed a follow up complaint with the Powai police and BMC. “We are aware of the pollution problem. However, BMC needs to tell us if the Environment Protection Act has been violated and then we will file an FIR against those discharging sewage into the lake,” said BK Mahadeshwar, senior police inspector, Powai police station.