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The iconic Charkop lake in Mumbai, once spanning 4.5 acres, now faces severe encroachment issues, with alleged involvement of the land mafia and senior government officials. Encroachers have transformed the 50-year-old wetland into garages, go downs, restaurants, and stalls, reducing its size to a mere 1,000 sq ft. Civic officials' recent demolitions had limited impact, as the encroachers continue their operations confidently. Activists accuse the land mafia of earning significant sums, using the funds for bribes and legal protection. Despite a 2013 Bombay High Court order to protect wetlands, lack of enforcement has allowed continued encroachments.
In 1972, the wetland was assigned to a potters' society for 30 years, with the lease extended until 2002. However, lack of utilization and alleged collusion led to encroachments, diminishing the wetland's size. Residents initiated the 'Chakop Talao Bachao Abhiyan' campaign in 2006, stressing the wetland's ecological significance. By 2010, further encroachments had filled 25,000 sq ft of the wetland. The Bombay High Court's order emphasized no reclamation of identified wetland areas and mandated a grievance redressal mechanism. However, non-compliance and continued encroachments persist, as certified land mafias exploit the wetland.
Activists associated with River March wrote to government authorities in 2021, seeking legal protection for the lake. Yuva Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray expressed interest in beautifying the lake's premises in March 2022. Local residents passionately advocate for the restoration of the once-beautiful lake, emphasizing its importance for Ganpati visarjans and boating activities. A signature campaign in 2006 and various complaints have failed to prompt effective action, leading to the deterioration of this unique wetland in Charkop.
Officials claim recent demolitions occurred under revenue officials' directives. Rajendra Bhosale, collector of the Mumbai Suburban district, expresses readiness to instruct action against encroachments, emphasizing the importance of restoring water bodies. However, residents and activists feel that authorities have not taken the matter seriously, allowing the wetland to degrade into a concrete jungle.
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) stresses the critical role of wetlands like Charkop in bird dispersal and flood protection. Losing these wetlands could have severe implications during the monsoon season. Activists and residents continue their plea for protection and regeneration after removing encroachers, urging state authorities, civic chiefs, and collectors to act promptly to safeguard Mumbai's valuable wetlands.
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