Wadala Lake Faces Crisis Amid Mumbais Real Estate Growth
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has criticised the Mumbai collector’s lackadaisical response regarding the environmental degradation of the Wadala saltwater lake in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ-1). The NGT, in a ruling on March 19, expressed its dissatisfaction with the collector’s failure to file an adequate affidavit on the case and warned that it may summon the official in person if prompt action is not taken. The case, which was first raised by the environmental NGO Vanashakti in 2024, has now become a symbol of the growing concerns over the unchecked destruction of eco-sensitive zones amidst urban expansion.
The environmental damage to the Wadala lake is alarming, as this crucial saltwater body faces continuous encroachment and reclamation, driven largely by its proximity to the Eastern Freeway and the rising value of nearby real estate. Despite a series of complaints filed by Vanashakti since 2019, the state government has done little to halt the ongoing degradation of the area. In a particularly striking example, the NGT noted that the collector’s office had submitted its response in Marathi without the required English translation, a clear violation of the NGT’s procedural guidelines. The failure to adhere to such basic formalities added to the frustration expressed by the tribunal. Director of Vanashakti and a member of the High Court-appointed Wetlands Protection Committee, has been at the forefront of this campaign. Speaking to the media, he recounted how, in 2019, he personally witnessed debris being dumped in the CRZ-1 zone, yet the only formal action taken by the authorities was a negligible Rs 500 fine for ‘trespassing.’ He emphasised that the lack of stringent enforcement has allowed encroachers to thrive and irreparably harm the wetland ecosystem. A truck parking lot has already been established on the site, further contributing to the destruction.
The Wadala saltwater lake, which spans approximately 1.76 acres—roughly the size of 1.5 football fields—has become a target for real estate development, with encroachers steadily advancing on the wetland. He has repeatedly stressed that unless urgent and tough measures are undertaken, the remaining mangroves and the lake itself will likely disappear, severely impacting biodiversity and the overall environmental balance in the region.
This case has also cast a spotlight on the broader issue of urban development in Mumbai and its environmental costs. As the city continues to grow, the demand for land in eco-sensitive areas like Wadala is increasing, putting immense pressure on the environment. The NGT’s warning to the authorities reflects mounting concern over the fragile balance between development and environmental conservation in rapidly urbanising cities.
The NGT’s sharp reprimand of the Mumbai collector underscores the need for effective governance and swift action to protect the city’s remaining natural resources. It is now imperative for the authorities to prioritise environmental protection and take meaningful steps to preserve Mumbai’s vulnerable coastal zones before it is too late.
