While aquatic life in Powai Lake is already under threat due to the rampant growth of water hyacinth and alleged discharge of untreated sewage, Mumbai-based environmentalists are appealing to devotees of Lord Ganesh and Durga Mata to avoid immersing idols in the lake. An online petition supporting this cause has already gathered significant traction, with over 3000 environmentally conscious Mumbaikars signing in support.

NGO NatConnect Foundation initiated the petition over two months ago and continues to receive a steady response. As of Tuesday evening, around 3150 people had endorsed the appeal. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has only recently begun the process of inviting tenders to divert raw sewage and establish treatment plants at Powai Lake. Environmentalists claim the lake is severely polluted due to the continuous flow of untreated sewage.

“The aquatic life in Powai Lake is already facing serious threats from untreated sewage and the widespread growth of water hyacinth," said BN Kumar from NatConnect Foundation. “Immersion of idols during Ganpati and Navratri festivals will further deteriorate the lake’s condition. We appeal to devotees to refrain from using the lake for idol immersion.”