Location – Powai Lake is situated at Salsette Island, next to the Powai village. It sits quietly in the downstream of the Vihar Lake on the Mithi river. East to the lake, you will find the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.
Timings – You can visit the Powai Lake any time as it is open at all times. If you want to watch the sunrise then you might have to check the timings and visit punctually. Or, if you want to soak in the glimmering skylines then reach after dusk for a better experience.
Facts about Powai Lake –
The original name of the Powai Lake was Powai valley. An interesting fact about the valley is that it was a central village with each hut having its own well. The amenity of water supply was sufficient for every person at that time.
Also, the initial area of Powai Lake was measured about 2.1 km and the depth was measured ranging between 3 m to 12 m at its deepest. Later on, the inclusion of the British colonial government took place. After making two 10 m high dams, Powai lake was built for amplifying the water supply to Bombay.
It cost approximately INR 6,50,000 to the British regime for constructing the lake in 1889. Moreover, an ancient temple of Padmavati Devi was built on the bank of Powai Lake. It was situated inside IIT Bombay campus. According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the temple can be from 10th century AD.
The localities around Powai Lake have undoubtedly modernized and developed. Although, the usage of Powai Lake was usually inclined towards fishing over the years. But along with development, its usage has also been converted for better motives, like the conservation of the Indian Mahseers, an iconic group of fish important for aquaculture.
