Pokharan Lake: The Living Heart of Thane

Thane is known as the “City of Lakes,” and among its many lakes, Pokharan Lake, often called Upvan Lake, stands out as one of the most loved and historically important. Today, it is a peaceful place for walks, prayers, festivals, and evening relaxation. But few people know the full story of how this lake came into existence, how it has changed, and how we can help protect it for the future.

A Lake Built for a City’s Need

The story of Pokharan Lake begins not in recent memory, but back in the late 19th century, during the British era. At that time, Thane was facing a serious problem of clean drinking water. The town's wells were drying up in summer. Several attempts were made to solve this issue, but nothing worked until 1880, when the British government approved the ‘Pokharan Water Works’ project.

This was a well-planned and ambitious scheme. A storage reservoir was created at the base of the Yeur hills, around 4 km from Thane town. An earthen dam was built, nearly 1,000 feet long and 31 feet high. A masonry outlet tower controlled the water flow, and iron pipes carried water into the town. There were public taps in different parts of Thane, and even the town jail received a direct water supply from here.

When the work was completed in 1881, Pokharan Lake became the main source of clean drinking water for the people of Thane. It was not just an engineering achievement — it was a life-changing project that made the town safer and healthier.

A New Purpose in a Growing City

By the mid-20th century, Thane was changing fast. The city was growing, new buildings were coming up, and industrial development had begun. Among the new industries was the famous Raymond textile factory, located in Jekegram. As the factory expanded, it needed a regular and reliable source of water. They contracted with authorities to seek water from Pokharan Lake.

In the 1950s, J.K. Singhania, the founder of Raymond Mills, took steps to modernize the lake. Though the lake already existed from British times, it was cleaned, deepened, and strengthened so that it could supply water to the factory. A Ganesh temple was also built on its bank, giving the place a spiritual and community-friendly feel. This marked a new chapter for Pokharan Lake — from being a public utility under British rule to becoming part of Thane’s modern industrial life.

As Thane’s municipal water supply improved, Pokharan Lake gradually shifted from a water source to a space for leisure and community gatherings. Locals began calling it Upvan Lake — a peaceful garden-like spot for walks, relaxation, and festivals like Ganesh immersion, Chhath Puja, and the Sanskruti Arts Festival. It became an integral part of the city’s social and cultural life.

Challenges and Concerns

However, with growing popularity, Pokharan Lake began facing pollution from litter, plastic, sewage leaks, and idol immersions with harmful materials. Water quality declined, and aquatic life suffered. In response, the Thane Municipal Corporation launched a rejuvenation project in the 2000s — desilting the lake, adding aeration fountains, and diverting sewage lines. These efforts brought some improvement for a time.

In recent years, Upvan Lake saw major beautification with improved walkways, lighting, rebuilt ghats, and decorative features. However, environmentalists raised concerns about over-concretization, blocked inlets, and ecological damage. Fearing the lake’s natural balance was being lost, citizens and activists filed a petition in 2023, urging authorities to pause construction and consult experts to ensure sustainable development.

In such times, citizens play a key role in protecting Upvan Lake. It is a shared treasure, and its well-being depends on our actions. By avoiding litter, using eco-friendly idols, supporting clean-up efforts, and speaking up against misuse, we can make a difference. When people care, authorities are more likely to act. The lake survives only if its people choose to protect it.

Pokharan Lake is a vital part of Thane’s history and identity — from its British-era beginnings to its role in industry and now as a green urban space. It has offered water, beauty, and peace. Today, it needs our care. With mindful action, it can remain a symbol of harmony between progress and nature. Let’s cherish it not just with visits, but with responsibility.