Following alarming reports from environmentalists, DPS Flamingo Lake, once teeming with life, is now facing severe ecological challenges. The 30-acre wetland, located in Navi Mumbai, has become clogging with stagnant water due to the blockage of its natural water flow, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take swift action.
According to reports, the Chief Minister instructed the Forest Department to investigate the grave situation at the lake, which was once home to hundreds of flamingos. Chief Secretary Venugopal Reddy heads the high-level committee tasked with ensuring the protection and preservation of this important habitat, having previously recommended its designation as a conservation reserve. Yet, the recommendations seem to have gone unheeded as the water flowing to and from the lake was obstructed, resulting in unsightly moss and muck.
“We are happy Devendra Fadnavis acted quickly and asked Reddy to take appropriate action,” stated B N Kumar, Director of NatConnect Foundation. His organization has been active in raising concerns about the lake, emphasizing its ecological importance, especially as it serves as one of the migratory paths for flamingos.
The DPS Flamingo Lake is seen as pivotal for migratory birds, and Kumar warns, "Preserving migratory bird habitats like DPS Lake is key to mitigating bird strike risks near the airport.” The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has conducted studies highlighting these risks, urging immediate action to restore the wetland.
The environmental impact assessment report by Adani Airports corroborates these concerns, noting the dangers posed to aircraft by birds forced to look for alternative landing sites when their usual wetland habitats, such as DPS Lake and Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), become inhospitable. Kumar reiterated this, stating the wetland's capacity to accommodate flamingos must be preserved to reduce the likelihood of bird strikes at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Despite strong recommendations and the Chief Minister's intervention, local environmentalists have reported disappointing conditions three months since the committee's directives. “Flamingos have started arriving at TCFS, but the DPS Lake is not fit for resting,” said Jyoti Nadkarni, convenor of the Kharghar Wetlands and Hills Forum. The lake needs immediate cleanup and restoration to regain its status as a viable habitat for these migratory birds.
Sandeep Sareen from the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the poor condition of the DPS Lake. He stressed the urgent need for action, pointing out how easy it is to neglect these ecological gems without vigilant community oversight and interaction.
Environmentalists are calling for comprehensive remediation efforts, including the removal of debris blocking water flow, deepening channels by one to two feet, and reinstalling cement pipes previously part of the lake's structure. They also propose ensuring consistent monitoring and security to maintain water flow and raising community awareness to prevent violations.
Nadkarni added, “We must launch an inquiry to address the repeated sabotage of this flamingo abode. The community needs to be sensitized to protect these natural habitats and understand their importance.”
Local organizations like NatConnect Foundation and the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society are mobilizing public interest, emphasizing the need for community involvement to safeguard these wetlands.
Through concerted efforts and public engagement, there is hope for the restoration of DPS Flamingo Lake. The collaboration of the authorities, environmentalists, and the local community can help revive this ecological treasure, ensuring it remains suitable for flamingos and other wildlife for generations to come.