All for show…

Wadale Lake clean-up rekindles debate on accountability and the timing of civic elections

Panvel: The long-overdue cleaning of Wadale Lake, one of the oldest in Panvel, initiated after sustained persuasion by local citizens and environmental groups, has once again brought into focus an uncomfortable question: do civic bodies act decisively only when elections are around the corner?

With municipal elections slated for January 15, the sudden urgency shown by the administration has sparked a wider debate on whether more frequent elections—perhaps every two years—could compel authorities to address citizens’ issues in a timely and consistent manner.

For years, Wadale Lake had been a symbol of neglect. Once a thriving water body supporting local biodiversity and acting as a natural buffer against flooding, it gradually turned into a dumping ground for solid waste, sewage inflows and construction debris. Repeated complaints by residents and representations by environmental activists failed to yield meaningful action. It was only after sustained public pressure, amplified through protests, petitions, and social media campaigns, that the civic administration finally initiated a comprehensive cleaning drive.

“This lake did not deteriorate overnight, and it won’t recover overnight either,” said an environmental activist, who has been associated with lake conservation efforts in the region. “What is worrying is that authorities respond only when there is political pressure. Environmental protection should be a continuous responsibility, not an election-time activity.”

The cleanup operation currently underway involves removal of silt and plastic waste, desilting of feeder channels and preliminary steps to prevent further sewage discharge. Civic officials maintain that the initiative is part of a broader urban rejuvenation plan. However, residents remain sceptical, noting that similar assurances in the past have failed to translate into sustained outcomes.

‘Same Pattern’

“Every five years, we see the same pattern,” said local resident Ramesh Kulkarni, who lives in a housing society near the lake. “Before elections, roads are repaired, drains are cleaned and lakes are suddenly ‘discovered’. Once the polls are over, the momentum disappears. If elections were more frequent, perhaps officials would be forced to remain responsive throughout their tenure,” he added.

This sentiment has fuelled a growing discussion on the idea of holding civic elections every two years instead of the current five-year cycle. Proponents argue that shorter electoral cycles would increase accountability, reduce complacency among elected representatives, and ensure that pressing local issues—such as sanitation, water bodies, and public health—receive continuous attention.

Environmentalists see merit in the argument but also caution against viewing elections as a panacea. “Frequent elections may create pressure, but without strong institutional mechanisms and citizen oversight, the problem will persist,” said urban ecologist Dr. Nikhil Patwardhan. “What we need are legally binding lake protection plans, dedicated budgets, and empowered ward committees that function regardless of the electoral calendar.”

Civic officials, meanwhile, defend the current system, pointing out that governance requires continuity and long-term planning. A senior municipal officer, requesting anonymity, said, “Large infrastructure and environmental projects cannot be planned or executed in a two-year horizon. Frequent elections may lead to populism and short-term measures rather than sustainable solutions.”

Yet, for residents living with the consequences of delayed action, such arguments offer little comfort. Many fear that once the elections conclude, Wadale Lake may again slip into neglect unless constant vigilance is maintained.

As excavators work along the lake’s edge and volunteers continue to monitor the cleanup, Wadale Lake has become more than an environmental issue. It now stands as a case study in civic responsiveness—and a reminder that citizen pressure remains one of the most powerful tools to ensure accountability. Whether that pressure should be institutionalised through more frequent elections or stronger governance frameworks remains a question that policymakers can no longer afford to ignore.