India, April 16 -- The Bombay high court on Tuesday directed the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to take suitable action to preserve the Lotus Lake and submit a report before April 29, in response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the encroachment in the Nerul lake.

The petition, filed by advocate Pradeep Patole, highlighted that the high court had prohibited water chestnut farming within the water body to preserve the lake and its adjacent mangrove area. However, the residents allege that continued chestnut farming increased the threat of harming the water and the lotuses.

The lake has long been vehemently protected by the residents, as it is the only natural water body near the area. The first issue of enc...