Navi Mumbai: A lake in Kamothe, Sector 20, has suffered significant loss due to reclamation activities, according to a nature enthusiast. Between April 2018 and February 2025, the lake lost approximately 7 acres of its area. The water body, located near Jawahar Industrial Estate, once spanned over 8 acres (around 3.5 hectares). It was home to a variety of aquatic animals and plants. However, activists allege that most of this wildlife perished due to dumping-related activities.
Reclamation and Playground Development
A playground has been developed on a major portion of the reclaimed area. Sharing historical imagery, nature activist Uddhav Garje stated, "This was a large water body of around 8+ acres. Only a small portion of the water body is left, and that too is threatened by waste dumping. Slowly, water bodies are being reclaimed in the node."
Activist Concerns and Protests
Another activist, Alpesh Mane, noted, "The locals protested against Cidco for conducting developmental projects on the ground. Since the protest a few years ago, the civic body has not disturbed the lake for their activities." Despite the protests, the reclamation has already caused substantial damage to the ecosystem.
The remaining part of the lake continues to face threats from waste dumping, raising concerns among environmentalists about the future of such water bodies in the region.
