In response to mounting concerns over the obstruction of creek water to a flamingo habitat, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has commenced the demolition of a problematic road, following a stern ultimatum from BJP MLA Ganesh Naik.
The road in question, which has been blocking the natural flow of water to the DPS lake near the NRI Colony in Nerul, has led to a notable disappearance of flamingos from the area. Ganesh Naik, representing the Airoli constituency, took a proactive stance after receiving numerous complaints from local residents and environmentalists. On Thursday, Naik inspected the 30-acre lake, accompanied by officials from the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and NMMC. Witnessing the adverse impact on the flamingo population due to the disrupted water flow, Naik issued a clear warning to both CIDCO and NMMC, threatening to personally demolish the bund road if immediate corrective measures were not implemented. He provided CIDCO with a week’s deadline to initiate action.
Local residents have raised suspicions that CIDCO might have plans to develop the prime plots surrounding the water body, as it is marked for development in their planning documents. These concerns were amplified by the evident decline in the flamingo population, which relies on the creek water for their habitat. Responding to Naik’s ultimatum, NMMC deployed heavy machinery to the site on Friday and began the work by digging an inlet on Saturday to facilitate water flow into the lake. An NMMC official stated, “We have initiated clearing work in one area of the lake. We will install a pipeline to help water flow to the lake and hope to complete it in the next few days. We are also assessing other problem areas of the lake and will take necessary actions where possible.”
This intervention by NMMC aims to restore the natural habitat of the flamingos, ensuring their return to the DPS lake. The NMMC’s swift action contrasts with CIDCO’s delay, as the latter has yet to take any concrete steps towards resolving the issue. The DPS lake, known for attracting large flocks of flamingos, is an important ecological site in Navi Mumbai. The blockage of water flow had not only threatened the local biodiversity but also raised concerns among environmentalists and the local community about the preservation of natural habitats amidst urban development pressures.
The collaborative efforts between local authorities and community leaders like Naik underscore the importance of proactive environmental stewardship in urban planning. As the NMMC continues its work to restore the habitat, it remains to be seen how CIDCO will respond to the deadline and what measures will be implemented to ensure the long-term protection of the region’s natural resources. This development highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and environmental conservation, demonstrating the need for balanced approaches that protect wildlife while accommodating urban growth. The successful restoration of water flow to the DPS lake will serve as a testament to the effectiveness of timely and coordinated action in addressing ecological challenges in rapidly developing urban areas.
