Thane residents allege political vendetta and tanker mafia behind opposition to Kavesar lake beautification

THANE: Residents supporting the beautification of the Kavesar Lake precinct in Hiranandani Estate accused political vendetta and the tanker mafia of being responsible for secretly misleading locals to oppose the project.It may be recalled a group of environment activists and residents had independently staged protests and voiced opposition to the work over the last week.Meanwhile, environmental activists, who opposed the project, clarified their stance, saying their movement were aimed only to preserve the lake’s natural ambience, which includes a rare lotus species.Residents’ representatives, led by Shiv Sena’s Pravin Nagare, Saturday, alleged that the tanker mafia, in collusion with some political leaders, were illegally drawing water from the lake in summer to sell locally.

After the activity was reported to authorities in the past, it was halted. Nagare alleged the tanker operators oppose the beautification because increased public access could end their future operations.

The project, he added, is a long-standing demand of residents.Local resident B.J. Rao welcomed the work, saying he was unaware of the lake’s existence despite living there for years, and praised the civic efforts in restoring it.

Meanwhile, Dharmaprakash Tripathi, President of the Hiranandani Senior Citizens Association, said opposition arose because the project threatens a political leader’s influence. He highlighted the current lack of safe walking paths, causing difficulties for senior citizens, following which they approached the authorities.Nagare pointed out how a nearby lake was fully concretised for beautification without opposition from environmentalists. He nonetheless reassured that Kavesar Lake’s water body and biodiversity will remain untouched. The residents have already planted barcode-tagged trees, established a butterfly garden, and built a natural retaining wall to protect the area. Nagare welcomed further public suggestions.