Navi Mumbai: The DPS Flamingo Lake is once again teeming with activity as intertidal water flows back into the 30-acre wetland following the restoration of two vital channels connecting it to a drain from Thane Creek.
Thanks to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), the previously blocked water channels—obstructed by vested interests—have been successfully cleared, allowing the tidal water to flow freely in and out.
This restoration follows the recommendations of a high-level committee formed to explore conservation measures for the flamingo habitat, especially after a spate of bird deaths between January and May 2024, recalled NatConnect Foundation Director B N Kumar.
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who has taken a personal interest in reviving the lake, had earlier instructed NMMC and CIDCO officials to clear the blocked channels. NMMC engineers not only removed the clogs but also lowered the pipes to ensure a natural tidal exchange of water.
Following the committee’s advice, the state government has recently agreed to designate DPS Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve, Kumar noted, while urging that the status be formalized through a gazette notification.
“We hope to soon witness the launch of full-fledged flamingo tourism in the city,” Kumar added.
With the fresh inflow of water, hundreds of flamingos have already returned to the lake, drawing enthusiastic birdwatchers equipped with mobile phones and DSLR cameras to the rejuvenated wetland.
“This is the sight we’ve been yearning to see,” said avid birdwatcher Satish Dabral.
“We are optimistic that even the NRI wetland, currently plagued by stagnant water, will be granted conservation reserve status,” commented author and environmental advocate Jayant Hudar.
“With Minister Naik’s sustained efforts, Navi Mumbai is not only living up to its reputation as the ‘Flamingo City’ but is poised to proudly wear the pink tag,” said Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS), which has been actively pursuing legal measures to protect the wetlands.
