Saving Flamingo Lake: Maharashtra Government Sets Up Committee to Protect Wetland

The Maharashtra government has formed a high-level committee to conserve the DPS Flamingo Lake, a 30-acre wetland in Navi Mumbai, from real estate development and other threats.

Flamingo LakeNavi MumbaiWetland ConservationReal Estate DevelopmentEnvironmental ActivismReal Estate MumbaiJul 10, 2024

Saving Flamingo Lake: Maharashtra Government Sets Up Committee to Protect Wetland
Real Estate Mumbai:The Maharashtra government's decision to set up a high-level committee to look into the conservation of the DPS Flamingo Lake has brought new hope to environmental activists fighting to protect the area. The committee, led by the Forest Secretary, will investigate various disturbing aspects surrounding the lake, including the City and Industrial Development Corporation's (CIDCO) development plan, which marks the lake as sector 52 for future development.

Environmentalists have long been concerned about the fate of the lake, which is frequented by flamingos and other migratory birds. The lake has been facing numerous threats, including the construction of a passenger water transport terminal, which has affected the tidal water flow. The clearing of mangroves for the terminal's construction has also disturbed the water levels in the ponds, causing the lake to remain dry on several occasions.

According to B N Kumar, director of the city-based NGO NatConnect, the CIDCO has been making attempts to usurp the 30-acre wetland for real estate development. He alleged that the CIDCO even filed a complaint against the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) for opening the choked water inlets on the instructions of Aioli MLA Ganesh Naik.

The high-power committee, comprising Principal secretaries of Environment and Urban Development Departments, Managing Director of city planner and CIDCO, Navi Mumbai municipal commissioner, CEO of Maharashtra Maritime Board, Thane district collector, and BNHS chairman Pravin Pardesi, is expected to look into these aspects and ensure the conservation of the lake.

Sandeep Sareen of Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS) welcomed the government's decision, saying that the collective efforts of the people and environmentalists had paid off. Rekha Sankhala of Save Flamingos & Mangroves forum also appreciated the government's move, emphasizing the importance of people's involvement in protecting and conserving the lake.

Information
The DPS Flamingo Lake is a 30-acre wetland in Navi Mumbai, which is home to a large number of flamingos and other migratory birds. The lake has been facing numerous threats, including real estate development and construction activities.

NatConnect is a city-based NGO that has been at the forefront of environmental activism in Navi Mumbai. The organization has been working towards the conservation of the DPS Flamingo Lake and has been vocal about the need to protect the area from development activities.

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is a government agency responsible for the development of Navi Mumbai. However, its development plans have often been at odds with environmental concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DPS Flamingo Lake?

The DPS Flamingo Lake is a 30-acre wetland in Navi Mumbai, which is home to a large number of flamingos and other migratory birds.

What is the main threat to the lake?

The main threat to the lake is real estate development, which could lead to the destruction of the wetland and the loss of habitat for the flamingos and other birds.

What is the role of the high-level committee set up by the government?

The high-level committee will investigate various disturbing aspects surrounding the lake, including the CIDCO's development plan, and ensure the conservation of the lake.

What is NatConnect and what is its role in the conservation of the lake?

NatConnect is a city-based NGO that has been at the forefront of environmental activism in Navi Mumbai. The organization has been working towards the conservation of the DPS Flamingo Lake and has been vocal about the need to protect the area from development activities.

What can be done to protect the lake?

The people's involvement in protecting and conserving the lake is very important. The government and environmental organizations must work together to ensure the conservation of the lake and its surroundings.

Related News Articles

RERA: A Game Changer for Real Estate in India?
real estate news

RERA: A Game Changer for Real Estate in India?

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, has brought transparency and accountability to the Indian real estate sector. But is it enough?

September 2, 2024
Read Article
Mumbai Property Prices to Rise as Maharashtra Govt Hikes Ready Reckoner Rates by 3.4%
Real Estate Maharashtra

Mumbai Property Prices to Rise as Maharashtra Govt Hikes Ready Reckoner Rates by 3.4%

In a significant move that will affect property buyers, sellers, and real estate investors across Maharashtra, the state government has officially increased the ready reckoner rates by 3.4%. This decision is expected to have a notable impact on the real estate market in Mumbai and other key cities in the state.

April 1, 2025
Read Article
MMRDA and WEF Partner for Sustainable Development, Aiming for INR 300 Billion GDP by 2030
Real Estate Maharashtra

MMRDA and WEF Partner for Sustainable Development, Aiming for INR 300 Billion GDP by 2030

The initiative is expected to create millions of high-end jobs across various sectors, bolstering Maharashtra's economy by promoting real estate, manufacturing, and services.

September 25, 2024
Read Article
Grahm Invests Rs 100 Crore in Real Estate Platform by FY26
Real Estate Pune

Grahm Invests Rs 100 Crore in Real Estate Platform by FY26

Grahm, a leading real estate company, plans to invest Rs 100 crore in its real estate platform by FY26, focusing on expanding its operations in key cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Lucknow.

April 10, 2025
Read Article
Ratan Tata to Receive State Honours for Last Rites: Maharashtra CM
Real Estate Maharashtra

Ratan Tata to Receive State Honours for Last Rites: Maharashtra CM

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the last rites of the renowned industrialist Ratan Tata will be performed with full state honours, recognizing his immense contributions to the business and social sectors of the country.

October 10, 2024
Read Article
Essar Renewables' Major Investment in Maharashtra: Rs 8,000 Crore and 2,000 Jobs
Real Estate Maharashtra

Essar Renewables' Major Investment in Maharashtra: Rs 8,000 Crore and 2,000 Jobs

Essar Renewables is set to make a significant investment of Rs 8,000 crore in Maharashtra, which is expected to generate 2,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector.

January 22, 2025
Read Article