Vihar Lake

Vihar Lake
Name	Vihar Lake
Location	Mumbai, Maharashtra
Type	Reservoir
Inflow	Mithi River
Basin countries	India

Vihar Lake. It is one of the three principal lakes, along with Tulsi Lake and Powai Lake, that supply potable water to the southern parts of Mumbai. Located within the protected Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the lake serves as a critical reservoir and a significant ecological habitat. Its construction in the mid-19th century was a pivotal response to the city's growing water needs following a series of devastating epidemics.

Geography and location

Vihar Lake is situated in the northern suburbs of Mumbai, nestled within the verdant expanse of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The lake lies near the neighborhoods of Bhandup and Powai, with its catchment area primarily fed by the Mithi River and several smaller streams originating in the surrounding hills. The region is part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, characterized by dense tropical forests. The lake's proximity to the Tansa River and other water systems like the Bhatsa River underscores its importance in the regional hydrology of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

History and construction

The lake was commissioned in 1859 during the tenure of the British Raj, under the governorship of Henry Bartle Frere. Its construction was spearheaded by the Bombay Municipal Corporation in direct response to catastrophic outbreaks of cholera and the Bubonic plague that plagued the city due to inadequate and contaminated water supplies. The project was a major feat of 19th-century civil engineering, involving the creation of a large masonry dam. The initial water supply from Vihar Lake commenced in 1860, marking a transformative moment in the public health infrastructure of Bombay.

Hydrology and water supply

As a key component of Mumbai's water supply network, Vihar Lake is a major reservoir with a substantial storage capacity. It primarily receives inflow from the upper reaches of the Mithi River and local rainfall within its forested catchment. The water is treated at the nearby Bhandup Water Treatment Plant, one of the largest in Asia, before being distributed. The lake's output is integrated with supplies from other sources like the Tansa Lake, Upper Vaitarna, and Bhatsa Dam to meet the demands of the city's southern districts, managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Ecology and environment

The lake and its watershed form a vital ecological zone within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, hosting rich biodiversity. The surrounding forests are home to species such as the leopard, spotted deer, and numerous avian species including migratory birds. The area is a significant green lung for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, contributing to local climate regulation. However, the ecosystem faces pressures from urban encroachment, pollution, and invasive species, which are monitored by agencies like the Maharashtra Forest Department.

Recreation and tourism

While access is restricted to protect the water quality and the sensitive environment of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the periphery of the lake area contributes to tourism. The national park itself is a major attraction, featuring the Kanheri Caves, a complex of ancient Buddhist rock-cut monuments. Visitors to the park can experience the region's natural beauty, though direct recreational activities on the lake are limited to authorized personnel and research expeditions conducted by institutions like the Bombay Natural History Society.

Management and conservation

The management of Vihar Lake is a shared responsibility between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which oversees its role in the water supply system, and the Maharashtra Forest Department, which manages the protected forest land. Conservation efforts focus on preventing pollution from the catchment area, controlling siltation, and preserving the surrounding forests. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining water quality and the ecological integrity of this vital resource within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Category:Lakes of India Category:Reservoirs in Maharashtra Category:Geography of Mumbai