After mid-day highlighted the fact that Andheri’s Lokhandwala lake—a crucial site for migratory bird species—has yet to be declared a protected area by the forest department, Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former environment minister, accused the government of neglecting the water body and potentially handing it over to builders. He also vowed to protect it under the Indian Forest Act.

Thackeray posted on Monday, “Surprised to see the Forest Ministry to not have taken this ahead. In June 2022, days before our govt was toppled, I had asked the @MangroveForest to take this over, in its protection. This regime has ignored it and will slowly hand it to builders. We promise to protect this lake, under the Indian Forest Act, when back in government soon (sic).”