In a significant development for environmental conservation, the Maharashtra State Government is expected to declare DPS Lake in Nerul as a Conservation Reserve to protect its status as a vital wetland and flamingo habitat. According to Dayanand Stalin, Director of Vanashakti and member of the Wetland Committee, an official directive is likely to be issued within the next few days.

“The State Government has decided to maintain the water levels in DPS Lake and protect it as a Conservation Reserve,” Stalin stated, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue their advocacy for preserving wetlands in Navi Mumbai and Raigad.

DPS Lake, located near DPS School in Seawoods, has been a seasonal home to tens of thousands of flamingos migrating between November and June. However, this year, the lake’s three intertidal water inlets were blocked, leaving the lake dry and unsuitable for the birds.

Citizens and environmental groups, including Save Flamingo Save Mangrove, Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society, and NatConnect Foundation, have been at the forefront of efforts to save the lake. Their long-standing campaign included a human chain protest in May 2024 to raise awareness about the declining condition of the lake.

The issue gained urgency after ten flamingos were reported dead in April-May 2024, triggering outrage among environmentalists and bird lovers. A Government Resolution (GR) issued in July by the Revenue and Forest Department led to the formation of a high-level committee headed by APCCF Member Secretary Shri Ramarao. This committee, comprising senior officials from various departments, studied measures to protect DPS Lake as a natural flamingo habitat.

The committee’s intervention has resulted in the decision to remove obstacles blocking the lake’s inlet pipes and maintain its water levels. The matter was also raised in the Maharashtra State Assembly, where Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar announced plans to safeguard flamingo habitats and set up the committee.

Sunil Agarwal from Save Navi Mumbai Environment Group welcomed the decision but stressed the need for comprehensive wetland protection. "While the announcement for DPS Lake is a positive step, the government must also prioritize safeguarding TS Chanakya Lake and NRI Wetland. Wetland conservation is critical to avoiding future incidents like the May 2024 Emirates Airlines bird strike, which could have had far graver consequences," Agarwal said.

“Our fight will continue until all wetlands in Navi Mumbai are protected by the government,” he reiterated.