4 days ago
Environmentalists Seek Fast Conservation Status for Navi Mumbai’s DPS Lake
DPS Lake is a wetland in Navi Mumbai where flamingos and other birds rest.
Environmentalists say the lake is becoming unhealthy because parts of it are covered with algae.
They also say water from the nearby creek is not flowing freely into the lake.
The State Wildlife Board has already approved protecting the lake as a conservation reserve.
However, the final approval from the government is still pending.
The groups want the lake cleaned and its natural water flow restored.
They say the wetland helps absorb extra rainwater and supports migratory birds.
They are also concerned that birds could move closer to the airport if their habitat disappears.
Environmentalists urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to expedite conservation reserve status for the 12-hectare DPS Lake in Nerul.
Inspectors found large sections of the lake covered in algae and warned that conditions were becoming unsuitable for flamingos.
NatConnect Foundation blamed CIDCO’s alleged obstruction of intertidal water flow for contributing to the wetland’s deterioration.
The State Wildlife Board approved the conservation proposal, but the final government resolution is awaiting clearance from the Chief Minister’s Office.
Environmental groups said restoring the lake could support migratory birds, reduce flooding, and help address potential bird-strike risks near Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- Who
- Environmental groups, including NatConnect Foundation and Palm Beach Greens, are urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra government to act.
- What
- They want DPS Lake to receive conservation reserve status and have its wetland ecology and intertidal water flow restored.
- Where
- DPS Lake in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, within the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary landscape.
- When
- The appeal followed a site inspection on Thursday; the Forest Department submitted its proposal to the Chief Minister’s Office in October last year, and environmentalists want action before the next migratory season.
- Why
- Environmentalists say the lake is deteriorating, threatening flamingo habitat, flood-mitigation capacity, and potentially increasing bird-strike risks near Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Environmentalists and Conservation Groups
Development Interests and Pending Authorities
Protection versus development
Environmentalists and Conservation Groups
Environmentalists argue that the government should immediately grant conservation reserve status and restore the wetland, saying ecological protection should not be delayed by commercial interests.
Development Interests and Pending Authorities
NatConnect Foundation alleges that CIDCO had previously proposed real estate development on the wetland and that its obstruction of intertidal water flow is contributing to deterioration. The article does not include a response from CIDCO.
Water-flow management
Environmentalists and Conservation Groups
Environmentalists say restoring free intertidal water flow is necessary to revive the lake and keep it suitable for flamingos and other migratory birds.
Development Interests and Pending Authorities
The conservation decision remains subject to final clearance from the Chief Minister’s Office, while the article provides no official explanation for the delay or for the reported water-flow obstruction.
Bird habitat and airport safety
Environmentalists and Conservation Groups
Environmental groups and BNHS warn that degrading traditional bird habitats could displace birds toward mudflats or water bodies closer to Navi Mumbai International Airport, potentially increasing bird-strike risks.
Development Interests and Pending Authorities
The article does not present an opposing assessment of the airport or bird-strike concerns.
Key facts
- Lake size
- 12 hectares
- Conservation proposal
- Approved by the State Wildlife Board; the final government resolution is pending clearance from the Chief Minister’s Office.
- Proposal submission
- The Forest Department submitted its detailed proposal to the Chief Minister’s Office in October last year.
- Reported problem
- Large portions of the lake were covered with algae during an environmentalist inspection.
- Wetland landscape
- DPS Lake, the NRI wetland, and T S Chanakya wetland form part of the Ramsar-designated Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary landscape.
- Ecological role
- The wetlands provide high-tide roosting sites for flamingos and other migratory birds.
- Additional role
- Environmentalists said DPS Lake absorbs excess water from surrounding areas, including NRI Seawoods and the vicinity of DPS School.
Quotes
Shrikant Patki
Convenor of Palm Beach Greens
“Implementation of the Wildlife Board’s decision would facilitate proper maintenance of the wetland and restoration of the free flow of intertidal water”
freepressjournal.in
“The government’s own proposal cannot be held ransom to the commercial interests of CIDCO”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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