Navi Mumbai's DPS Lake Faces Threat, Environmentalists Urge CM Fadnavis To Act

Environmentalists have urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to expedite the process of granting conservation reserve status to the 12-hectare DPS Lake in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. The lake, a crucial flamingo habitat, is facing a significant threat due to rapid deterioration and obstruction of intertidal water flow by CIDCO.

The NatConnect Foundation, an environmental organization, visited the lake on Thursday and found large portions of the water body covered with algae. The foundation's director, B N Kumar, alleged that CIDCO's actions were contributing to the degradation of the wetland, despite its ecological importance. Kumar also claimed that CIDCO had earlier proposed real estate development on the wetland, which could harm the environment.

The State Wildlife Board has already approved a proposal to declare DPS Lake a conservation reserve. However, the final government resolution is awaiting clearance from the Chief Minister's Office. Environmentalists are demanding immediate restoration of the wetland ecology and have called for the lake to be made flamingo-ready ahead of the next World Migratory Bird Day in October.

DPS Lake is part of the Ramsar-designated Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary landscape, which includes the NRI and T S Chanakya wetlands. These wetlands serve as important high-tide roosting sites for flamingos and other migratory birds. The lake also plays a crucial role in flood mitigation by absorbing excess water from the surrounding areas.

Environmental groups have flagged the wetland's importance to the safety of Navi Mumbai International Airport. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has highlighted the potential bird-strike risk if birds are displaced from their traditional wetland habitats. Destruction or degradation of these sites could force birds to move unpredictably towards mudflats or other water bodies closer to the airport.

The Forest Department submitted its detailed proposal to the Chief Minister's Office in October last year, but the approval remains pending. Environmentalists are urging the Chief Minister to take immediate action to protect the lake and its inhabitants. The fate of DPS Lake and its flamingo population hangs in the balance, and it is up to the government to ensure their survival.

The conservation of DPS Lake is not just important for the environment, but also for the safety of the people living in and around Navi Mumbai. The lake's role in flood mitigation and its potential impact on the airport's safety make it a critical issue that requires immediate attention. The government must take swift action to protect this vital ecosystem and ensure the long-term survival of the flamingos and other migratory birds that call it home.

In conclusion, the situation at DPS Lake is critical, and environmentalists are urging the government to take immediate action to protect the lake and its inhabitants. The conservation of this vital ecosystem is essential for the environment, the safety of the people, and the long-term survival of the flamingos and other migratory birds. It is up to the government to ensure that DPS Lake is protected and preserved for future generations.