Once famous, Mayem Lake is presently under renovation, even as the locals have demanded that they should be given preference at the site while some have also complained about the delay in completing the project.
It may be stated that this lake was once very famous and tourists used to visit this spot. But later because of the apathy shown by the government to promote the area, the lake got totally sidelined and was later virtually removed from the tourism map.
In March 2015 with the foundation stone being laid to renovate the area there was a hope that the area would get its former glory. But two years down the line the locals feel that the work is being done at a slow pace.
“The work of the renovation of the lake is going on at a very slow speed and there are questions raised as to when this lake would get its former glory. The tourism minister, Babu Azgaonkar and the local MLA, Pravin Zantye should see to it that the project is completed within the given time frame,” said former sarpanch of Mayem, Subhash Kinalkar.
Some of them feel that since the work started two years back there is hardly anyone visiting this area. “The local shops which are lined up near the lake are suffering because of the ongoing work as not even the locals come to this lake. The government should see to it the locals are considered when the lake is inaugurated once again,” said Ashok Nagvekar from Mayem.
Even as there is delay in completion of the project, sources say that about 85% of the work is complete and the lake would be thrown open to the public during this season. The locals have demanded that they should be given equal share in the project.
The project consists of several shops, restaurants and other structures besides the lake. The locals feel they should be allotted these shops and restaurants.
“It is of no use if locals are not given preference in running these shops and restaurants. We demand that locals be given first preference when the lake is opened,” Mayem sarpanch, Vishwas Chodankar stated.
When contacted the Mayem MLA, Pravin Zantye said that he would have discussions regarding this with the locals and come out with a solution. “Many things could be done at Mayem and there should not be just a garden but there could be some entertainment zone for the tourists to enjoy,” Zantye said adding “the locals should also be taken into confidence if the project has to be a success.”
