Following the news that appeared in the Newsband on 12^th April (Issue 294) titled ‘Environment activists demand removal of solar street lights from T S Chanakya wetland buffer zone’ along with the concerted efforts of environmental enthusiasts, the controversial solar light poles have been successfully removed from the TS Chanakya wetland buffer zone. Following complaints filed via email, the Mangrove Suraksha app, and Twitter, the electrical department of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation promptly took action to dismantle all 20 solar light poles from the sensitive buffer zone area.

TS Chanakya wetland, encompassed by a sprawling mangrove belt, serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. Environmental activists in the city have highlighted the adverse effects of harsh lighting on nocturnal birds and animals. With the peak season for migratory birds, particularly flamingos, underway, concerns were raised about the potential disruption of their natural behaviour due to the newly installed lights.

Citizens, in collaboration with media outlets, had voiced their opposition to the presence of the solar light poles, citing the potential harm they posed to the wildlife in the area. Sunil Agarwal, the founder of Save Navi Mumbai Environment Group, led the charge by lodging the initial complaint. Expressing satisfaction at the swift response from the NMMC, Agarwal stated, "We are pleased that our concerns have been addressed, and NMMC has taken immediate action. The poles have been removed intact and will be repurposed in areas where they are genuinely needed."