Maharashtra Govt Probes DPS Flamingo Lake Destruction Amid Environmental Concerns
As the world gears up to observe World Wetlands Day on February 2, Maharashtra finds itself grappling with an ecological crisis closer to home. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an urgent probe into the destruction of DPS Flamingo Lake, a critical wetland in Navi Mumbai, following alarming reports from environmental activists. The directive comes amid growing concerns over the lake’s deteriorating condition, which threatens the region’s delicate biodiversity.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have been instructed to investigate the situation and submit a report within 15 days. The DPS Flamingo Lake, once a thriving habitat for migratory flamingos, is now facing severe ecological distress. According to BN Kumar, director of the NatConnect Foundation, the intertidal water flow to the wetland has been blocked for months, leading to stagnant water conditions. This disruption has rendered the lake unsuitable for flamingos, whose seasonal visits have dwindled alarmingly.
CIDCO, responsible for executing the ambitious Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) project, had previously assured the MOEFCC in its environmental compliance reports that it would adhere to the Bombay Natural History Society’s (BNHS) recommendations to protect the area’s biodiversity. However, the current situation paints a starkly different picture, raising questions about compliance and environmental oversight. Ironically, the crisis unfolds just as Maharashtra prepares to mark World Wetlands Day, themed “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” A biodiversity study is scheduled for February 1 at the Kharghar Wetlands and Hills, organised in collaboration with environmentalists and local authorities. The study aims to highlight the critical role wetlands play in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.
However, the events surrounding DPS Flamingo Lake cast a shadow over the state’s environmental commitments. Wetlands are not just biodiversity hotspots; they act as natural water filters, carbon sinks, and buffers against climate change. The destruction of such ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences, from loss of wildlife habitats to increased vulnerability to floods and climate-related disasters. Environmental groups are urging immediate intervention to prevent further degradation of the lake. BN Kumar stressed the urgency of restoring natural water flow to the wetland, warning that delays could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The state environment department has also sought an action-taken report, adding pressure on CIDCO and NMMC to address the issue promptly.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that while World Wetlands Day aims to raise awareness, real change hinges on sustained action and accountability. As Maharashtra’s wetlands face increasing threats from urban development, the fate of DPS Flamingo Lake could set a precedent for how seriously environmental concerns are addressed in the state’s race towards urban expansion.
