Mumbai: The BMC has proposed appointing infrastructure consultancy firm AECOM Asia Company Limited to prepare a comprehensive redevelopment plan for a stretch of Powai Lake along Adi Shankaracharya Marg at a consultancy cost of Rs 1.85 crore while seeking exemption from the mandatory public tender process.This comes almost 18 years after the 1.8-km-long promenade along Adi Shankaracharya Marg (JVLR) stretching between the Ganesh Ghat and Pawarwadi immersion points was developed in 2008 but did not undergo any significant beautification or restoration work since then. The proposal, tabled before the standing committee, seeks administrative approval for the appointment of the consultant for four months to prepare a detailed proposal and technical design for redeveloping the lakefront promenade and adjoining areas.Powai lake is spread across 223 hectares with a 6.61 sq km catchment area.The urgency for redevelopment has increased due to multiple infrastructure projects underway along the stretch. Construction of access staircases and escalators for the upcoming Metro Line 7 stations at Rambagh and Powai lake, along with the laying of an underground sewage conduit by the sewerage projects department to prevent untreated sewage from entering the lake, has damaged portions of the footpath. Officials said they received repeated complaints from residents and elected representatives about the deteriorating condition of the promenade.The redevelopment proposal also stems from a high-level meeting held in August 2025 under the chairmanship of the secretary to the chief minister to discuss the revival of Powai lake. In the meeting, officials were directed to undertake a feasibility study to develop land parcels adjoining the lake and prepare a financially sustainable model that could generate its own revenue.BMC officials said that any redevelopment will have to be undertaken with extreme caution because of the lake’s sensitive ecology. “Since most interventions are proposed along the lake’s edge, the project will need to ensure minimal disturbance to aquatic life and biodiversity,” said a civic official.
