Pune's Lakaki Lake Birdwatching Centre Lies in Ruins Despite Rs1 Crore Investment
Nestled in the heart of Pune, within the bustling residential enclave of Model Colony, lies the serene Lakaki Lake. This small, tree-lined waterbody stands as a rare, well-maintained oasis of greenery and tranquility, surrounded by ongoing infrastructure and redevelopment projects. For over three-and-a-half decades, this precious green lung has been nurtured through the dedicated efforts of local residents, environmentalists, architects, and community activists.
A Vision for Conservation and Education
Historically, Lakaki Lake has been celebrated not only as a pristine escape from urban chaos but also as a vital sanctuary for numerous bird species. To leverage this unique location and promote environmental education, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) initiated work in 2018 on a science and birdwatching centre on the lake's south side. The project, sanctioned with a budget of Rs1 crore, was envisioned as a hub for nature enthusiasts and a tool to inspire conservation awareness, particularly among schoolchildren in the area.
However, eight years later, the centre is in a state of utter disrepair. A recent visit revealed a scene of neglect: dirt and dried leaves litter the floors, small animal skeletons are scattered about, cobwebs drape the structure, and a bathroom lacks even a basic door. Crucially, the centre remains inaccessible to the public and lacks essential facilities, such as coin-operated telescopes for birdwatching.
Community Efforts and Civic Neglect
The Model Colony Parisar Sudharna Samiti (MCPSS), a local residents' group, played a pivotal role in advocating for both the centre's construction and the lake's conservation. "The spot was inaugurated in 2018, and work began thereafter. It has been inaugurated on multiple occasions since, each time for new phases of work," explained Pankaj Anand, secretary of MCPSS. "This centre could have been an excellent space to observe birds at the Model Colony Lake Nature Reserve and ignite children's passion for conservation, especially with many schools nearby."
Anand emphasized the centre's potential as a learning hub, stating, "A facility like this is key to educating people, especially future generations, about how community efforts can aid conservation. This is vital given the rampant redevelopment engulfing our city."
The structure itself was creatively designed to mimic the flight and landing patterns of birds. It features a deck, winding steps, and a mezzanine offering views of the lake and sky, with the ground level intended for informal gatherings. Yet, this thoughtful design lies wasted.
Shyamala Desai, a founder-member of MCPSS, highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles: "Spaces like this are crucial for preserving biodiversity in rapidly changing neighbourhoods. While only a few tasks remain before public access, the civic body fails to acknowledge that years of disuse necessitate repairs. This means more expenditure of money, time, and resources—all avoidable with timely action."
A Decade-Long Saga of Delays
The project's origins trace back to 2015, when former MP Anil Shirole helped secure PMC's sanction for the Rs1 crore fund. However, tendering and administrative delays pushed the actual start of work to 2018. Initially slated to open in August 2019, the centre remains in ruins in 2026.
In parallel, since 2017, MCPSS and the Ecological Society trust have monitored the lake, documenting a rich wetland ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife, including waterbirds, garden birds, forest birds, butterflies, bees, bats, turtles, and mongooses.
Vikramsinh Mohite, president of MCPSS, stressed the interdependence of the lake and centre: "We can't view them in isolation. The lake offers a unique experience in Pune's heart for all ages. PMC could model a collaborative initiative here, involving public and private entities, NGOs, and citizens for environmental stewardship."
Resident Disappointment and Expert Insights
Local residents express deep personal connections to the lake and frustration over the centre's neglect. Shabnum Poonawalla, a lifelong resident, shared, "My mother, a zoologist, advocated for the lake's preservation. I planted trees here as a child. The centre's current state is disheartening—it was meant to engage younger generations with nature. Each time we follow up with PMC's garden department, we're told funds are lacking or tasks are pending. It has been inaugurated repeatedly but never used."
Poonawalla added, "We simply ask authorities to share project plans with citizens. Many officials seem disengaged or inactive. PMC could greatly aid our conservation efforts if they just asked."
Ecologist Arijit Jere underscored the centre's importance: "The lake is a haven for wetland birds. This centre would provide a vantage point for birdwatchers and educate people about coexisting species, enhancing experiences and fostering new enthusiasts."
Architect Narendra Dengle, involved in the planning, lamented, "Everything was handed to PMC in 2015, with plans for telescopes and monitors showcasing lake life, all without cutting a single tree. If non-functional, it wastes public money and collective effort, missing a chance to raise environmental awareness."
Official Responses and Future Prospects
MLA Siddharth Shirole acknowledged, "The birding centre's infrastructure is largely complete; telescopes are the main pending item. I previously allocated Rs10 lakh from MLA funds for windows and other work. I'll review what remains and ensure completion."
Ashok Ghorpade, PMC's chief garden superintendent, stated, "We've requested funds in the upcoming budget to finish unfinished works, mainly telescopes and electrical tasks, estimated at Rs15-20 lakh. Post-budget approval in April, processes should conclude by May, with a tentative June deadline to open the space."
As Pune continues to urbanize, the fate of Lakaki Lake's birdwatching centre symbolizes broader challenges in balancing development with environmental conservation. The community's hopes now rest on PMC's promised actions to revive this neglected gem for public benefit and ecological education.
