Mumbai: Cyclists to pedal together against proposed cycle track around Powai lake

MUMBAI: Several cycling enthusiasts have decided to pedal their way to Powai lake on Sunday, October 3, in order to participate in a demonstration against the proposed cycle track around the lake, as it will disrupt the environment and the lake's healthy biodiversity; which includes crocodiles and over 200 documented bird species.
"We are expecting a large group of cyclists at the 'Pedal To Powai' demonstration this Sunday.Signatures against the proposed cycle track around Powai Lake will also be collected at the event, as we firmly believe that this concrete construction will disturb and destroy Nature,'' said one of the protesters Tabrez Ali Sayed.
The participants will be meeting at the Deer Park in Powai at 11 am on Sunday.
PhD student of IIT-Bombay, Omkar Mahadeo Supekar, told TOI, "Several trees have already been cut for the cycle track around Powai lake, while concretization on the edge of the lake has also taken place, which is just not good for the biodiversity of the waterbody. The planned cycle track at Powai lake is actually a diversion from Bhandup, but the municipality and government authorities have not informed us if the Environment Impact Assessment report has been done or not.''
Environmentalist D Stalin remarked, "It is good that youngsters are coming forward to save the environment at Powai lake. It shows that even the people who like to cycle are against the cycle track as it is not good for the environment. Government must scrap this project now.''