India, June 6 -- On the occasion of World Environment Day on Thursday, over 100 residents of Thane participated in a protest against the "beautification" of Kavesar lake, saying construction activities were destroying the pristine environment and the trees being planted as part of the beautification drive were not suited for wetlands. The Thane Municipal Commissioner took note of the protest and halted the scheduled plantation event.

The protest began around 8:45am when over 100 residents dressed in black assembled with placards at the lake's main entrance in Hiranandani Estate. They called for an immediate halt to ongoing construction work, fearing it would threaten and disturb the lake's ecosystem.

Situated amidst the urban sprawl of ...