Environmentalists Urge Conservation Status for All Thane Creek Wetlands

Navi Mumbai: Environmentalists have welcomed the state government’s decision to grant Conservation Reserve status to the DPS Flamingo Lake in Nerul and have urged similar protection for all five wetlands under the Ramsar-recognized Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS).

The Wildlife Board had already endorsed a proposal in December 2015 to declare three bird sanctuaries—Sewree-Mahul, NRI-TS Chanakya, and Panje-Dongari. Devendra Fadnavis made this announcement in his previous tenure as Chief Minister, the NatConnect Foundation stated. A related social media post by Fadnavis is still available on Facebook.

Additionally, the wetlands at Panje, NRI Complex, and TS Chanakya were recently surveyed by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, based on information obtained by NatConnect through the RTI Act.

NatConnect director B N Kumar emphasized the urgent need for the state environment department to officially notify these wetlands for protection under the Environment Protection Act and declare them as Conservation Reserves.

In a promising development, the Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) has stated in its environmental compliance reports that it will preserve the biodiversity around the airport project site, as recommended by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). BNHS has consistently advocated for the protection of these wetlands, which form part of the TCFS satellite wetland ecosystem.

Kumar also pointed out that the State Mangrove Cell, under the forest department, has recognized the need to protect these wetlands under the TCFS Management Plan 2020–30. NatConnect plans to raise the matter once again with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik.

CIDCO had earlier proposed a golf course on the NRI wetland, but according to the NMIAL Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, this plan has been scrapped—clearing the path for its protection, NatConnect highlighted.

“With these hurdles removed, the government must now act with rocket speed to safeguard all five wetlands,” Kumar urged.

Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting local fishing communities, acting as urban sponges to absorb excess rainwater, serving as carbon sinks, and strengthening groundwater tables.

According to the government's definition, wetlands include natural or man-made water bodies—static or flowing, temporary or permanent.

Kumar noted that the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has already expressed willingness to protect and manage the NRI and TS Chanakya wetlands.

"Now, there should be no barrier to granting conservation status to all key wetlands," said Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society.