Navi Mumbai: Green groups have raised alarms over the alleged destruction of DPS Lake, a 30-acre wetland and key flamingo destination, accusing vested interests of blocking water flow despite commitments by the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to protect it.
NMIA Submits Its Half-Yearly Environmental Compliance Report
The NMIA, in a half-yearly environmental compliance report submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), pledged to follow recommendations by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to conserve biodiversity in the airport area. However, environmentalists allege the promises are being ignored.
Water flow from Thane Creek to the DPS flamingo wetland has allegedly been blocked for months, leaving the water stagnant and unfit for flamingos, according to B.N. Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation. In a letter to MOEFCC and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ahead of World Wetlands Day on February 2, Kumar urged immediate action.
High-Level State Committee Recommended
A high-level state committee had recommended designating the DPS Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve, which requires approval from the state wildlife board, headed by Fadnavis. CIDCO oversees the area and has been directed to maintain water channels at the wetland, but environmentalists claim their pleas have been ignored.
“Fadnavis previously directed the state forest department to investigate alleged violations at the site after NatConnect raised concerns in December, yet the neglect continues,” Kumar added.
Activists Highlight The Ecological Importance Of Wetlands
Activists highlight the ecological importance of wetlands as habitats for migratory birds, carbon sinks, and natural sponges that help manage excess water and maintain biodiversity.
“NMIA, in its compliance report, expressed concerns over the proximity of birds to the airport, citing potential aviation risks. However, BNHS studies indicate that flamingos typically fly below aircraft altitude,” Kumar said.
Despite these assurances, the DPS Lake remains in poor condition, allegedly choked with moss, filth, and muck due to stagnant water. Activists like Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Protection Society (NMEPS) emphasised that the World Wetlands Day theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” underscores the urgent need to save such habitats for biodiversity and future generations.
