No water, AMC to spend Rs 1.8 cr to desilt 38 lakes

In the second round of Jal Sanchay Abhiyan, the AMC is focusing on desilting 38 lakes. Interestingly, the same process was carried out in 2018, but nothing has been done so far to fill the lakes. Health and Solid Waste committee of the civic body has sanctioned an amount of Rs1.80crore for the work during a meeting held last week.

"Like last year, we are going to remove algae and wanton vegetation from the lakes. The depth of the lakes will be increased. We are going to complete the work before monsoon," said Paresh Patel, chairman of the health and solid waste committee.

In 2003, when Vastrapur lake was dedicated to citizens, it was promised by the authority that the lake would be filled with Narmada water. The lake has dried after 16 years, said city-based environmentalist Mahesh Pandya.

"It is a welcome step by the government. But then, for what purpose are they doing this exercise? This work is not practical. Will this process assure water-filled lakes," Pandya raised his doubt.

"Last year, in the name of Jal Sanchay Abhiyan, many lakes and other water bodies across the state were desilted deepened, but is there any method in the practice to measure how much water has been stored? This process is futile," said Pandya.

"This is a scam. The authority should focus on water recharge and water harvesting. Chandola lake is filled with drain water. The authority is negligent. If the authority works for this lake with the right approach, it would be helpful for the people of six wards," said Badruddin Shaikh, former leader of the opposition. Every year, they are wasting crores for this futile exercise whereby only a few officials, contractors and BJP members are getting benefited, added Shaikh.

FALSE CLAIMS

In 2003, when Vastrapur lake was dedicated to citizens, it was promised by the authority that the lake would be filled with Narmada water. The lake has dried after 16 years.