Pashan Lake Faces Ecological Collapse Amid Official Inaction

Report by The Newsage Pune.

Ecotone of Pashan Lake Heavily Disrupted Due to Pollution

Once a paradise for birdwatchers, Pune's Pashan Lake is now choking under water hyacinth and pollution, threatening its fragile ecosystem. Fisherman report that only Chilapai and Mangur fish are found in the lake, indicating low oxygen levels.

Depleting water quality of Pashan Lake in Pune has sparked concerns regarding the aquatic life as well as the ecosystem. The lake is now laden with all sorts of garbage and water hyacinth, leading to the significant reduction of oxygen levels in the water. Experts suggest opting for nature-based solutions to resolve the problem.

A thick sludge layer, nearly1-2 meters deep, covers the lakebed, and dead fish frequently wash ashore. Environmental experts highlight that unplanned urbanization has severely affected the Ramnadi-Pashan Lake ecotone. Despite the formation of a restoration committee in 2022, no action has been taken, rendering it dysfunctional.

The lake has also turned into a dumping ground for waste from surrounding areas. While the PMC expects the long-delayed STP to be operational by March, experts stress the need for nature-based solutions like Vetiver grass filtration and active community involvement to restore the lake.