Navi Mumbai Ecological Controversy: DPS Flamingo Lake Protection Deferred
A fresh controversy has erupted in Navi Mumbai over the proposed protection of the DPS Flamingo Lake, with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) seeking to defer granting Conservation Reserve status to the ecologically sensitive wetland.
Reasons Behind CIDCO's Decision
CIDCO cited an ongoing bird strike hazard assessment linked to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport as the reason for deferring the conservation of the lake.
- CIDCO has appointed Avisure, an international aviation and wildlife hazard assessment consultant, to study potential bird strike risks associated with wetlands around the airport zone.
- Pending the assessment, Avisure suggested to CIDCO that declaration of the area as a Conservation Reserve, or the imposition of any irreversible restrictions, should be deferred.
Environmentalists' Concerns
Environmentalists have expressed concerns over CIDCO's decision, with NatConnect Foundation Director BN Kumar alleging that CIDCO was making another attempt to convert a biodiversity-rich wetland into a concrete jungle.
- Kumar claimed that CIDCO had assigned an estimated real estate value of nearly ₹3,600 crore to the wetland parcel, strengthening fears among activists that developmental interests were taking precedence over ecological protection.
Scientific Studies and Counterarguments
Environmentalists have pointed out that the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) had earlier conducted a detailed study on bird strike concerns around the airport.
- According to the BNHS study, migratory birds fly at an altitude of around 50 metres between wetlands, while aircraft operate at substantially higher altitudes, reducing the possibility of dangerous intersections.
- The BNHS report had also warned that destruction of wetlands could worsen bird strike risks by forcing displaced birds to gather within airport zones.
Activists' Call to Action
Activists including Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society and Rekha Sankhala of the Save Flamingos and Mangroves Forum have urged the Maharashtra Government to reject CIDCO's objections and immediately issue the long-pending Government Resolution granting Conservation Reserve status to the DPS Flamingo Lake.