MUMBAI, July 17 -- Ravindra Waikar, Shiv Sena MP from Mumbai North-West, has written to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), urging immediate intervention over the rise of construction around Vihar and Powai lakes. He said the work violates the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and a 2022 Bombay high court order protecting Powai Lake. According to Waikar, illegal construction around Powai Lake, Paspoli and Vihar Lake is threatening Mumbai's urban wildlife habitat. The Powai Lake region is an important breeding zone for crocodiles protected under Schedule I of the Act, and extensive construction and noise pollution have put their survival at risk. After locals and environmental groups raised the issue, Waikar inspected the site and said a preliminary assessment showed the construction was unauthorised and causing irreversible ecological damage. He has informed the BMC's S Ward, submitted a representation to the National Green Tribunal, and said the construction extends across Paspoli and Vihar Lake, part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park ecosystem. He argued that large-scale construction without NBWL approval was a serious legal violation. Waikar said records maintained by IIT Mumbai Birds show the wetlands support several rare and threatened bird species on the IUCN Red List, while destruction of lakeside vegetation has damaged nesting and feeding grounds. He sought an expert committee, an inquiry into mandatory wildlife clearances, and strict action against officials and developers under the Wildlife (Protection) Act....