Thane: A fresh flashpoint threatens to break out between the Thane BJP and Shiv Sena with the BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar on Monday publicly opposing the proposed beautification of Kavesar Lake, saying he would not allow any concretisation of the ecologically sensitive water body.Kelkar’s stand puts him at odds with the local Shiv Sena unit, which has backed the multi-crore project and even held a groundbreaking ceremony last year.The BJP MLA announced his public interaction programme after a delegation of residents and environmentalists urged him to intervene, alleging that the proposed project would damage the lake’s fragile ecosystem.The beautification plan envisages concretisation of parts of the lakefront and the construction of public amenities, including washrooms and an amphitheatre apparently with the aim to increase its popularity among visitors. Residents and environmentalists opposed the plans, arguing that it would strip the lake of its natural character and irreversibly impact its biodiversity.“Thane was once known as the ‘City of Lakes’, but it has already lost several water bodies to encroachments and rapid urbanisation. The lake is an ecologically sensitive habitat that supports birdlife and biodiversity. We will not allow any concretisation. Preserving the natural ecosystem must take precedence over cosmetic development,” Kelkar said and also offered to allocate funds from his MLA funds, if required, for restoration and beautification without concretisation.Political observers view Kelkar’s intervention as a fresh sign of the growing friction between the allies in Thane. The development incidentally also comes weeks after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appealed to developers to adopt lakefronts and develop them as recreational spaces.
