MUMBAI: Environmental activists have called for renewed efforts to preserve Powai Lake in the wake of the BMC’s first-ever crocodile census showing the presence of 18 of the reptiles in the shrinking waterbody.
Lake crocodiles
Census report | There are “at least 18” Indian marsh crocodiles currently living in Powai Lake.
Most of the adult crocodiles among the 18 can be seen basking under the morning sun on the banks towards the IIT campus and Renaissance Hotel.
The census was conducted by a six-member panel (appointed by the BMC) led by herpetologist* Kedar Bhide.
Protected species
The Indian marsh crocodile is also known as magar, with the scientific name Crocodylus palustris.
The law | The species is covered under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits catching, killing and transporting a crocodile without a permit.
Punishment
| Offenders face imprisonment and a fine.
Green concerns
Often, the bigger crocodiles try to migrate from Powai Lake to the nearby Vihar Lake through a kutcha route, thus endangering themselves
Traffic noise from Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road is a big irritant for the reptiles, besides noise and pollution from nearby construction activity.
