Maharashtra Forest Department Expands DPS Flamingo Lake Protection to 36 Hectares

Navi Mumbai: The Maharashtra Forest Department has taken a crucial step to expand the DPS Flamingo Lake Conservation Reserve area to 36 hectares from the initially proposed 12 hectares. This move, welcomed by conservationists, could effectively checkmate Cidco's controversial real estate plans for the ecologically sensitive wetland.

The revised proposal awaits the final Government Resolution (GR) and significantly increases the protected area around the lake. Official documents reviewed by TOI show that the expanded reserve area is a substantial improvement over the previous plan. Conservationists have urged the state to expedite the GR, which has been pending since the announcement made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to provide a protective shield for the wetland.

B N Kumar, director of the NGO NatConnect Foundation, emphasized the importance of protecting not just the open water but also the feeding grounds, roosting areas, mangroves, and undisturbed tidal habitats around the lake. These areas are crucial for the survival of flamingos and other migratory birds that depend on the wetland.

The development is particularly significant given that Cidco earlier estimated the real estate value of the DPS Flamingo Lake land parcel at around Rs 3,600 crore. According to the latest georeferenced map prepared for the proposed reserve in Karave village, the total protected area is calculated at 36.8784 hectares. This includes 9.3085 hectares of waterbody, 6.2416 hectares of dense mangrove forest, 2.7018 hectares of creek area, 0.4404 hectares of mudflat, and 18.1861 hectares of access road and surrounding lake area.

Conservationists and environmentalists have long advocated for the protection of the DPS Flamingo Lake due to its ecological significance. The lake and its surrounding areas serve as a vital habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds like flamingos, which travel long distances to reach this wetland. The expansion of the conservation reserve is seen as a positive step towards ensuring the long-term survival of this important ecosystem.

However, the final approval of the Government Resolution (GR) is crucial for the implementation of the expanded protection. Conservationists are hopeful that the state government will prioritize the ecological importance of the wetland over commercial interests and expedite the necessary approvals. The protection of the DPS Flamingo Lake is not just about preserving a natural habitat but also about maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

In conclusion, the move by the Maharashtra Forest Department to expand the DPS Flamingo Lake Conservation Reserve to 36 hectares is a significant step towards safeguarding this ecologically sensitive area. The pending Government Resolution (GR) is the final hurdle, and conservationists are eagerly awaiting its approval to ensure the long-term protection of this vital wetland.