Nature lovers in Thane have alleged that Railadevi lake has turned into a graveyard for aquatic life due to ‘unscientific’ lake restoration work carried out by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). Many fish and an Indian softshell turtle, which is listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, have allegedly died because of the ongoing work.

A message that went viral on several environment and wildlife-related groups stated the entire biodiversity of the lake had been destroyed. It also mentioned that the TMC had carried out desilting work in an unscientific manner. It has also been alleged that the riparian buffer, the tree cover around a water body, as well as the habitat of turtles got destroyed due to gabion structures.