Reigniting call to protect biodiversity

A rare and heartwarming sight of a mongoose family, consisting of two adults and four pups, was observed near the TS Chanakya wetland on Saturday morning. The family was spotted basking in the early morning sun by Yash Shetty, a nature enthusiast from Panvel, during his birdwatching visit.

“While it’s common to see individual mongooses near the mangroves searching for food, spotting an entire family together was truly unique,” shared Shetty excitedly.

The sighting underscores the rich biodiversity of the TS Chanakya wetland, which is currently teeming with both lesser and greater flamingos as the migratory season begins. The wetland is also home to species like golden jackals and mongooses, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Environmental activists, including Sunil and Shruti Agrawal, residents of the NRI Complex, have been tirelessly advocating for the protection of the TS Chanakya and NRI wetlands. They launched the “Chalo Chanakya” movement to safeguard these vital ecosystems and their adjacent mangrove belts.

“Despite the Supreme Court’s order on December 11, 2024, to protect wetlands larger than 2.25 hectares, authorities seem apathetic to the preservation of these areas,” lamented Sunil Agrawal. “Our fight continues because these wetlands are critical to the region’s flora and fauna.”

Activists emphasize that proactive measures are necessary to protect the wetlands from encroachment and degradation, ensuring the survival of species that depend on these fragile habitats.