Shivaji Lake in Ghansoli village stands threatened as neglect and indifference from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have left its safety and maintenance to chance. Recent incidents, including a suicide three days ago and the deaths of five ducks due to contaminated water, have stirred anger among locals, prompting demands for immediate action to clean the lake and tighten security measures.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation initiated the creation of lakes in the city as part of its Lake Vision project in 2010, setting an example for urban development. However, the current state of neglect surrounding Shivaji Lake paints a blatantly different picture. Residents have observed people loitering around the lake at night, raising concerns about safety and security.

The accumulation of plastic bottles and suspected sewage water from nearby buildings have contributed to the deterioration of the lake's water quality. The recent deaths of five ducks due to contamination have further intensified calls for urgent intervention to restore the lake's cleanliness and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

In response to mounting pressure from residents, Jayant Javadekar, Assistant Commissioner of Solid Waste at Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, has pledged immediate action. “Instructions will be issued for the prompt cleaning of Shivaji Lake in Ghansoli village, along with measures to investigate the cause of the deaths and deploy security guards to safeguard the area”, he said.