Vihar Lake

Vihar Lake is a freshwater reservoir located within Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Constructed between 1856 and 1860 by damming the Mithi River, it was historically the largest lake in the Salsette group of islands and remains one of seven lakes supplying drinking water to the city. The lake is currently a restricted security zone managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and is not generally open for public recreation or tourism.

Vihar Lake is primarily a protected water supply reservoir and restricted security zone, so general public access is prohibited without special permission from authorities. Visitors cannot expect standard tourist facilities, boating, or open recreational access as the site is secured for water supply infrastructure. Limited views may be possible from peripheral roads, but entry into the lake precincts requires prior approval from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or forest department.

Construction of Vihar Lake began in January 1856 and was completed in 1860 under the governorship of Lord Elphinstone to address Bombay's growing water needs. It was created by damming the Mithi River and was considered the largest lake in the Salsette group of islands at the time of its completion. The reservoir marked the beginning of Mumbai's organized municipal water supply system.