World Wetlands Day was marked with a passionate cleanup drive on Sunday, February 2, 2025, aimed at preserving the vital wetlands and mangrove ecosystems near the Bamandev Underpass, Seawoods. The event was organized by the Environment Life Foundation’s Mangrove Soldiers in collaboration with the Save Navi Mumbai Environment group.

The initiative, aligned with the 2025 theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” brought together an enthusiastic group of citizens, environmental activists, birdwatchers, and 100 volunteers from the NSS and DLLE groups of SIES Nerul, SCOE Kharghar, and KBP College, Vashi. Led by Dharmesh Barai, the "cleanup messiah" of Navi Mumbai, and guided by Sunil and Shruti Agarwal, the drive successfully removed over one ton of waste, primarily single-use plastics and pooja materials, from the wetlands.

The drive was conducted to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and their role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting wildlife, and regulating water quality. The event also highlighted the need for conservation efforts to preserve these critical ecosystems for future generations.

“We must protect wetlands as they serve as natural filters, help absorb excess nutrients, and offer habitats for numerous species. They are also crucial for flood control and carbon sequestration. The health of wetlands is directly tied to the well-being of communities,” said Dharmesh Barai, emphasizing the significance of the cleanup.

In support of the Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, participants pledged to take action in safeguarding the environment. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) supported the event by distributing cloth bags, promoting the message of avoiding single-use plastics.

The drive was supported by the Mangrove Foundation and the NMMC. Key figures from the NMMC, including Deputy Commissioner Mr. Somnath Potre, Division Officer Dr. Amol Palve, Executive Engineer Naresh Andher, and Cleanliness Officers Vijay Naik and Amol Mhatre, attended and assisted with the initiative.

Mangrove Soldiers urge citizens to respect water bodies and avoid treating them as wastelands, stressing the importance of preserving these natural habitats for the future.