Environmental groups have once again urged the Maharashtra government to officially declare the 12-hectare DPS Flamingo Lake a ‘Conservation Reserve’, alleging that the City and Industrial Development Corporation is prioritising real estate development over ecological preservation.
The demand gained momentum after CIDCO reportedly informed the Mangrove Cell that its newly appointed international aviation consultant had advised keeping the lake’s protected status proposal on hold. CIDCO has consistently opposed granting conservation status to the biodiversity-rich wetland, describing it as a “developable land parcel.” Environmental activists, however, argue that this reflects a broader attempt to alter the character of the ecologically sensitive site.
Green groups highlighted findings from a study conducted by the Bombay Natural History Society, which reportedly stated that migratory birds visiting the lake do not pose a bird-strike threat to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport because their flight path altitude does not intersect with aircraft operations.
Environmentalists further pointed out that the BNHS study had cautioned against destroying or reclaiming wetlands near the airport. According to the study, displacing bird populations from natural habitats could potentially increase aviation risks if birds begin congregating closer to airport zones.
The proposal to declare DPS Flamingo Lake a conservation reserve had already received approval from the State Wildlife Board chaired by Devendra Fadnavis more than a year ago. However, environmental groups claim that the final Government Resolution required to formally notify the protected status is still pending.
Organisations including NatConnect Foundation have now appealed to the state government to disregard CIDCO’s objections and immediately issue the long-awaited notification to legally safeguard the flamingo habitat.
Activists argue that preserving wetlands such as DPS Flamingo Lake is critical not only for biodiversity conservation but also for maintaining ecological balance in the rapidly urbanising Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The issue has once again highlighted the growing tension between infrastructure expansion, real estate pressures and environmental protection across Navi Mumbai’s evolving urban landscape.
Source: The Print
