The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has officially started the long-awaited desilting and rejuvenation work at Bandra Talao, one of Mumbai’s historic lakes, as part of efforts to restore the water body and improve environmental conditions in the area.
According to civic officials, the project aims to remove accumulated silt, improve water quality, strengthen the lake ecosystem, and enhance the surrounding public space. The work had reportedly been delayed for several years due to administrative and technical hurdles before finally beginning this month.
Bandra Talao, also known as Swami Vivekanand Lake, is considered one of Mumbai’s oldest lakes and serves as an important ecological and cultural landmark in the Bandra area. Over the years, residents and environmental activists repeatedly raised concerns about pollution, shrinking water levels, foul smell, and neglect of the lake.
Officials said the desilting process will increase the lake’s water-holding capacity while also helping improve groundwater recharge in nearby areas. The project is expected to remove thousands of cubic metres of accumulated sludge and waste from the lake bed.
The BMC has also planned beautification measures around the lake, including improved walkways, landscaping, seating areas, lighting systems, and ecological restoration efforts aimed at attracting birds and improving biodiversity.
Local residents welcomed the start of the project, saying the lake had suffered from years of neglect despite being a prominent public space in Bandra. Citizen groups have long demanded scientific restoration instead of temporary cosmetic cleanups.
Environmental experts noted that urban lake restoration has become increasingly important for Mumbai due to flooding risks, groundwater depletion, rising temperatures, and rapid urbanisation. Restored lakes can help improve drainage, reduce heat island effects, and support urban biodiversity.
The rejuvenation work at Bandra Talao is part of broader BMC initiatives to restore water bodies across Mumbai before the monsoon season. Civic authorities have recently accelerated lake-cleaning and stormwater management projects to address urban flooding concerns.
Officials said the project will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption for local residents and visitors. Authorities also stated that water quality monitoring and maintenance systems would be introduced to ensure long-term sustainability after the restoration work is completed.
