Mumbai: From October 1, Powai lake will become free of sewage inflow as all 18 outfalls will be intercepted, the BMC said on Thursday, even as the standing committee witnessed a heated debate over the proposed appointment of an infrastructure consultancy firm for the lake’s redevelopment.The BMC has proposed to appoint AECOM Asia Company Ltd 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. The proposal comes nearly 18 years after the 1.8km promenade between Ganesh Ghat and Pawarwadi immersion points was developed in 2008, but saw little subsequent beautification or restoration.Congress corporator Ashraf Azmi questioned the appointment of a consultant allegedly lacking experience in lake restoration projects. “We are spending taxpayers’ money on this project and hence, we should be fully aware whether the objective for which the work is being awarded will actually be fulfilled,” Azmi said.NCP corporator Saeeda Khan questioned the consultant’s credentials and suggested that Powai lake be developed as a recreational destination with sporting activities and laser shows to generate revenue. She also proposed shifting the lake’s crocodiles to Byculla zoo.Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Yashodhar Phanse questioned the exemption from the tender process, asking why competitive bids were not invited despite several firms having experience in lake development projects.Responding to concerns raised by corporators, Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said around 18 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage currently entering the lake is being diverted by intercepting all 18 outfalls. “By June 30, the diversion work will be completed and effectively from October 1, no sewage will enter Powai Lake,” Bangar said, adding that the outfalls have been physically verified by BMC officials in collaboration with IIT-Bombay.Bangar said AECOM was proposed because of its experience in infrastructure projects, including Mumbai Coastal Road, and that the redevelopment plan would be prepared with technical support from IIT-Bombay and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). A dedicated committee will monitor the project, he added.Bangar said the restoration plan includes comprehensive development of the artificial lake and the promenade along Adi Shankaracharya Marg and that recreational facilities could also be considered in the future. On the issue of crocodiles, he said the administration cannot comment on relocation at this stage as it requires scientific evaluation. He also clarified that the proposed restoration works do not require Coastal Regulation Zone permission.
