Centre Orders Tree Plantation Around Mumbai Water Lakes

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has directed the Maharashtra State Wetland Authority to prioritize tree plantation around lakes supplying water to Mumbai. This move comes after a Mumbai resident, Vinod Roshan Dsouza, submitted a grievance to the ministry on June 24, urging large-scale tree plantation around urban feeder lakes to protect water security and strengthen fragile ecosystems.

The ministry's direction was issued on July 17, and the Maharashtra State Wetland Authority has been asked to examine the representation on a priority basis and submit an Action Taken Report directly to the applicant. The authority will also send a copy of the report to the ministry.

The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, prohibit activities such as conversion or reclamation of wetlands, establishment or expansion of industries, dumping of waste, and discharge of untreated effluents within the prescribed buffer around notified wetlands. For cities like Mumbai, which depend on reservoirs like Vihar, Tulsi, and Tansa, protecting and expanding tree cover in the catchment areas is crucial for ensuring clean and reliable drinking water.

Dsouza's representation called for extensive tree plantation in lake catchment areas, citing the benefits of improved green cover in safeguarding water resources, enhancing groundwater recharge, reducing flooding, and strengthening the ecological health of urban reservoirs. Environmentalists agree that planting trees around water reservoirs provides multiple environmental, economic, and public health benefits.

Trees act as natural filters, trapping sediments, fertilizers, and other pollutants before they enter the reservoir, reducing contamination and the cost of water treatment. Tree roots bind the soil, preventing it from being washed into the reservoir during heavy rains, which reduces siltation and helps the reservoir retain its storage capacity for longer.

Forests also enhance groundwater recharge, protect biodiversity, and moderate the local climate through shade and evapotranspiration, helping reduce the urban heat island effect. Additionally, forests create recreational and educational spaces, and growing trees absorb carbon.

The ministry's action is a significant step towards protecting Mumbai's water supply and promoting sustainable development. As the city continues to grow and face the challenges of climate change, initiatives like tree plantation around water lakes will play a crucial role in ensuring a clean and reliable drinking water supply.

The success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and the cooperation of various stakeholders, including the Maharashtra State Wetland Authority, local communities, and environmental organizations.

In conclusion, the Centre's direction to prioritize tree plantation around Mumbai's water supply lakes is a welcome move that highlights the importance of protecting and preserving the city's water resources. As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, it is essential to prioritize sustainable development and environmental conservation to ensure a better future for its citizens.

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the city's water supply, and it will be interesting to see how the Maharashtra State Wetland Authority implements the Centre's direction. The success of this initiative will set a precedent for other cities in India to follow, and it will contribute to the country's efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Overall, the Centre's direction is a significant step towards protecting Mumbai's water supply and promoting sustainable development. It highlights the importance of prioritizing environmental conservation and sustainable development in urban planning and development.