Navi Mumbai: Two and a half months after the State Mangrove Cell urged CIDCO to restore inter-tidal water flow to DPS Flamingo Lake, the wetland remains in a state “detrimental” to migratory birds, according to information obtained under the RTI Act.
NatConnect Foundation, which filed the RTI request, expressed disappointment that CIDCO has yet to act despite the State Mangrove Cell’s concerns over the blocked water flow.
On September 23, 2024, a high-level government committee—formed in response to a series of flamingo deaths—recommended granting Conservation Status to DPS Lake. The committee also directed CIDCO to keep water inlet points 3 and 4 open. CIDCO, a member of the committee led by the Forest Secretary, has yet to comply.
Seeking accountability, NatConnect Foundation director B N Kumar filed an RTI request asking for details on steps taken to restore water flow and make the lake hospitable to flamingos once again. Once a thriving habitat, the lake is now avoided by flamingos due to stagnant, unsuitable water.
The State Mangrove Cell, in response to Kumar’s RTI, confirmed that it had written to the CIDCO Managing Director, reminding him of the committee’s decision to maintain water flow and protect the flamingo habitat.
Despite CIDCO’s participation in a joint site inspection with the committee—including the Principal Secretary of Urban Development-1—the agency maintains that the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.
A letter from Mangrove Cell head S V Ramarao to the CIDCO MD reiterated the committee’s decision: “Pending the Court’s ruling, the water level in the lake must be maintained to protect the flamingo habitat.” However, a recent inspection revealed that water remains stagnant due to blocked pipes, leading to excessive algae growth covering half the lake, Ramarao noted.
Calling the current condition “detrimental to the flamingo habitat,” he underscored concerns raised by environmentalists over the wetland’s deteriorating state.
Since DPS Lake remains under CIDCO’s jurisdiction, the Mangrove Cell has urged the agency to remove obstructions from the pipes and restore proper water flow, essential for maintaining this critical bird habitat.
Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the flamingo deaths, following media reports. “We will highlight CIDCO’s inaction, which is harming biodiversity,” Kumar said, referring to his intervention application before the tribunal.
