Navi Mumbai: In a major win for environmentalists, the Maharashtra State Wildlife Board has officially endorsed a recommendation to declare the 30-acre DPS Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve.
This marks the first time a wetland from the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) satellite ecosystem has been granted protected status. During high tide, flamingos from TCFS frequently migrate to these satellite wetlands.
The Board, which met in Mumbai, ratified the expert recommendation and growing public demand. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who strongly advocated for the proposal, emphasized the ecological importance of the lake.
Naik, who also serves as the Board’s vice-chairman, told members that the lake is a key habitat for flamingos and must be preserved as a sensitive biodiversity zone.
Presiding over the meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the proposal, listed as agenda item 4.1, had been formally approved.
NatConnect Foundation Director B N Kumar had earlier submitted a high-level committee recommendation to Minister Naik, urging the protection of the lake. Responding swiftly, Naik forwarded the letter to the Forest Department’s Principal Secretary and called for urgent action.
The government panel was formed following a spate of flamingo deaths near the lake early last year. Its mandate: to suggest conservation measures for the vulnerable habitat, as revealed by an RTI filed by NatConnect.
Kumar expressed satisfaction at the rapid response, although he lamented the loss of 17 flamingos when the lake dried up due to blocked tidal inlets caused by road construction linked to the upcoming Passenger Water Transport Terminal.
During a visit to the lake, Minister Naik witnessed its deteriorated condition and ordered the reopening of two inlets. He also directed the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to lower the drainage pipes to restore the natural flow of tidal water.
Forest officials have since reported that nearly 60% of the stagnant algae has been cleared, improving conditions for the birds.
Environmental groups, including NatConnect, Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS), Save Flamingos and Wetlands Forum, and Kharghar Wetlands and Hills Forum, organized two human chains last year to draw attention to the lake’s plight.
Calling it a collective triumph, NMEPS member Sandeep Sareen said the Board’s endorsement validated the tireless efforts of environment lovers. He had also submitted a memorandum to Minister Naik during a recent Janata Darbar.
With the partial restoration of tidal flow, flamingos have started returning to their cherished habitat at DPS Flamingo Lake.
The lake is part of the Ramsar-recognized TCFS satellite wetland network, which includes areas like Panje, NRI, and TS Chanakya wetlands. These sites serve as critical resting and feeding grounds for flamingos during high tide in the creek.
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has consistently recommended the protection of these satellite wetlands as part of the TCFS management plan. Disruption to this system, BNHS warns, could drive birds to settle on highlands near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), posing serious bird strike risks.
Highlighting this concern, the Adani Group-led NMIA project acknowledged BNHS recommendations in its environmental impact and compliance reports to the central government. The project has committed to maintaining biodiversity in the surrounding area, Kumar added.
