(Feature Image: On World Migratory Bird Day, May 11, 2024, green groups formed a human chain to protest against the ‘deliberate destruction’ of flamingo homes – wetlands. Source: FPJ)
Like previous years, several civil society groups in Mumbai have continued their remarkable efforts dedicated towards protection and conservation of the mangroves and wetlands throughout 2024. While their untiring efforts have met with some successes, given the hostile agencies and increasing developmental pressures the threats to mangroves and wetlands continue to increase. Despite growing challenges, their undying spirit offers inspiration to other civil society groups in the country. This report tracks the top ten developments regarding the subject beginning with broader issues impacting the future of mangroves and wetlands in the city and the documenting specific cases of DPS Flamingo Lake, Ulwe, Nerul, Kharghar, Panje and other wetlands.
1. Addressing Broader Issues Greens oppose changes in wetland classification Greens have expressed dismay over the move of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corp (NMMC) dividing the wetland in sector 60, Nerul, in two parts (TS Chanakya wetland as Pocket-A and NRI wetland as Pocket-B) in the Development Plan published in the government gazette on Feb. 23, 2024. However, the draft Development Plan of Navi Mumbai published in Aug 2022 had shown the area collectively as a wetland. The environmental activists said that the changes proposed by the civic body, if allowed, will result in diversion of over 37 ha of existing water bodies and mangroves through reclamation for residential and other uses. IAS officers’ CHS has opposed the NMMC move. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/navi-mumbai-greens-oppose-changes-in-wetland-classification/articleshow/108912946.cms (31 Mar 2024)
‘Protect wetlands’ appeal to new Civic Chief The environmentalists from satellite city have urged the municipal commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde to ensure that no further damage is done to the city’s green zone and save the same from land sharks. Shinde, who moved from CIDCO to NMMC as the civic body’s commissioner recently, declared on his first day of assuming charge at that he is familiar with the issues faced by the city as he was the Joint MD at City and Industrial Development Corp (CIDCO) till recently NatConnect Foundation director B N Kumar reminded the NMMC chief of the NMMC’s promise to protect the flamingo destinations, namely the wetlands, amid CIDCO’s vehement opposition. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-save-flamingo-protect-wetlands-greens-appeal-to-new-civic-chief-dr-kailas-shinde (25 Mar 2024)
‘Nerul’s Lotus not a wetland: Govt This has left environmentalists in the satellite city baffled. “It’s shocking that this affidavit ignores the Supreme Court orders protecting 2.01 lakh wetlands of size more than 2.25 ha and also the official memorandum issued by the MoEF. These wetlands were saved by the Bombay High Court order of Nov 1, 2018 as they are a part of National Wetlands Inventory and Assessment Atlas and protected by the Supreme Court order of Feb 2017 and Oct 2017,” activists said.
Meanwhile, the Thane District Collectorate has stated that a report to declare Lotus Lake as a wetland has already been submitted to the govt. However, the CIDCO administration has raised an objection, stating that the site is not a wetland on the basis of the Mah Remote Sensing Applications Centre map & other documents. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-neruls-lotus-lake-not-a-wetland-claims-govt-dept-in-bombay-high-court (29 Feb. 2024)
RTI challenges CIDCO’s claim The wetlands of Panje, NRI complex, TS Chanakya, Lotus Lake and Kharghar in the Flamingo City of Navi Mumbai figure among the 564 wetlands identified and surveyed by the Mah Govt, confirms the RTI procured by environmentalist BN Kumar. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-rti-challenges-cidcos-claim-of-rejecting-wetland-status-2 (17 Dec. 2024)
Land parcel in Nerul & TS Chanakya confirmed as wetlands The 35.55-ha open land parcel in the Nerul NRI and TS Chanakya belt has been confirmed as wetlands by the Thane nayab tehsildar. The verification followed an onsite inspection conducted by the tehsil office alongside officials from the mangroves, forest, police, and revenue departments. As per the findings, the land includes wetlands and a kaccha road reportedly existing for the past 15 years. The inspection, conducted on Dec 23, was prompted by a complaint about debris dumping in the mangroves’ buffer zone. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-3555-hectare-land-parcel-in-nerul-nri-ts-chanakya-belt-confirmed-as-wetlands-by-thane-nayab-tehsildar (31 Dec. 2024)
NMMC’s decision to reallocate protected waterbody land draws ire In a contentious move, the NMMC is under fire for de-reserving plots on protected water bodies. The move is part of NMMC’s new development plan, the first in over three decades, designed to shape the city’s growth for the next twenty years. However, critics argue that this decision appears to be thinly veiled, favoring the real estate sector over environmental conservation efforts.
Local environmentalists, including B N Kumar have expressed dismay, terming the decision a “major environmental shock.” Kumar emphasized the shortsightedness of the approach, underscoring the crucial role wetlands play in biodiversity, the livelihoods of local fishing communities, and their function as vital water absorbers. Kumar recalled the irony of suggesting the name “Flamingo City” for Navi Mumbai in 2019, a time when municipal initiatives were focused on flamingo conservation. https://pune.news/city/mumbai/navi-mumbais-controversial-move-de-reserving-water-body-plots-sparks-environmental-criticism-147601/ (02 March 2024)
Greens allege violation of clearance conditions by JNPA Vanashakti alleges that while constructing a container terminal, JNPA has violated two key conditions set by the MoEFCC.“ As per condition six, all reclamation must be done using marine dredged material,” said Stalin D, director of Vanashakti. “But what we’ve found out and is clearly visible is that what’s being used in the intertidal areas within the port area is murum soil, excavated from quarries and mountains in Raigad.”
This harm to intertidal mudflats, which are CRZ 1, and fishing grounds, leads to the violation of another condition, which states that no mangroves, fishing grounds, or ecologically sensitive areas will be destroyed. “With the reckless reclamation being done, the thousands of flamingoes and waterfowl that frequent the area will disappear. There are also no boundaries demarcated for the reclamation, so the fishermen are also at a loss to the contours of their fishing areas,” added Stalin. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/environmental-activists-allege-violation-of-clearance-conditions-by-jnpa-101710702510649.html (18 March 2024)
2. DPS Flamingo Lake Greens form silent human chain On World Wetlands Day on Feb 2, environmental activists formed a silent human chain around the 30-acre DPS Flamingo Lake in Nerul to advocate for its designation as a conservation reserve. Former Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik also participated in the initiative and pledged to raise the issue in appropriate forums. “I cannot be a silent spectator to this destruction of the environment,” he said. Environmental groups plan to meet forest minister Ganesh Naik, who last year visited the lake and raised his voice against the blockage of the entry points of tidal water. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/greens-form-silent-human-chain-to-protect-neruls-dps-flamingo-lake/articleshow/117866602.cms (03 Feb. 2025)
Greens hold silent protest Environment groups observed World Migratory Bird Day in Navi Mumbai on May 11 with a silent human chain protest conveying a loud-and-clear message not to fiddle with flamingo homes – the wetlands. Holding a huge banner proclaiming ‘Save DPS Flamingo Lake’ and placards, the protesters raised their united voice for the avian guests who make Mumbai region their home during the winter until the summer. The DPS Flamingo Lake has been under threat with vested interests blocking tidal water flow and rendering it dry in violation of a Bombay high court judgement. The main channel on the south side of the lake was buried with construction of the passenger water transport terminal, known as Nerul jetty, BN Kumar said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/greens-hold-silent-protest-to-preserve-flamingo-lake/articleshow/110044024.cms (12 May 2024)
7 flamingos killed Activists are seeking a thorough investigation to find the cause of the death of the 7 flamingos and urging authorities to take necessary action. “We, in coordination with the NMMC, wrote to CIDCO, to stop being careless about the DPS wetland, but the destruction continued,” said BN Kumar. In the preliminary observation, it was found that two out of three inlets of the lake were blocked by the newly constructed high-rise roads by CIDCO which resulted in stagnant water, disregarding the fact that flamingos typically inhabit areas with flowing water. Stalin D of Vanashakti said, “The defunct Nerul Jetty constructed by CIDCO serves no purpose and is instead blocking the inlets, thereby destroying the natural habitat of these birds.” As the habitat of these migratory birds is threatened, flamingos are increasingly found aimlessly roaming on the streets, endangering their lives. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/7-flamingos-spotted-near-dps-lake-wetland-killed-activists-blame-cidcos-development-plan-9294247/ (2 May 2024)
Flamingo Death: NGT issues notices NGT issued notices on May 30 to the CIDCO, the forest dept and the wetland authority, seeking their responses on the deaths of around 12 flamingos near the DPS Lake in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, on April 25. The NGT took note of the inlet blockage by the elevated roads constructed by CIDCO that resulted in water stagnation, disregarding the fact that flamingos typically inhabit areas of flowing waters. The tribunal also noted CIDCO’s intentions to use the lake area for future development and its inattention to HC’s notice to protect the lake.
BN Kumar highlighted that CIDCO has breached its undertaking regarding the uninterrupted intertidal water flow during the construction of the passenger water terminal at Nerul. “NatConnect will file an intervention application to detail all of CIDCO’s violations,” said Kumar. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ngt-cidco-forest-dept-wetland-authority-flamingo-deaths-9384062/ (11 June 2024)
CM asks forest sec to act Responding to greens’ complaint against the blocking of water flow to the 30-acre DPS Flamingo Lake rendering it filthy with stagnant water, CM Fadnavis has directed the Forest dept to take action. A high-level committee headed by Forest Secretary Venugopal Reddy has earlier decided to recommend the protection of the DPS Lake as a conservation reserve and asked CIDCO ensure uninterrupted water flow to in and out of the wetland. The lake, which has been attracting hundreds of flamingos, is now full of moss and muck as the water flow has been blocked for a few months, NatConnect Foundation complained to the CM and top officials. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-maharashtra-chief-minister-devendra-fadnavis-asks-forest-secretary-to-act-as-dps-flamingo-lake-turns-filthy (30 Dec. 2024)
Govt probes destruction CM has ordered an urgent probe into the destruction of DPS Flamingo Lake following alarming reports from environmental activists. The directive comes amid growing concerns over the lake’s deteriorating condition, which threatens the region’s delicate biodiversity. The CIDCO and the NMMC have been instructed to investigate the situation and submit a report within 15 days. According to BN Kumar, the intertidal water flow to the wetland has been blocked for months, leading to stagnant water conditions. This disruption has rendered the lake unsuitable for flamingos, whose seasonal visits have dwindled alarmingly. https://urbanacres.in/maharashtra-govt-probes-dps-flamingo-lake-destruction-amid-environmental-concerns/ (01 Feb. 2025)
Minister backs conservation tag In a boost to environmentalists’ drive to save DPS Flamingo Lake in Nerul in Navi Mumbai, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has promised to pursue a govt committee recommendation to declare the wetland a conservation reserve. The committee, formed in response to a series of flamingo deaths near DPS Lake and tasked with safeguarding migratory bird habitats, has urged the govt to grant the wetland conservation status. BN Kumar met Naik on Feb 14, urging him to push for the lake’s protection. Kumar also presented Naik with a written appeal and a copy of the government committee’s findings, which NatConnect obtained through the RTI Act. In response, Naik immediately forwarded the request to Additional Chief Secretary – Forest, Milind Mhaiskar, and assured follow-up action. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-forest-minister-backs-conservation-tag-for-dps-flamingo-lake-urges-action-on-wetland-protection (16 Feb 2025)
3. Ulwe Wetlands Complaint against fresh dumping The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has asked its Maharashtra unit (MPCB) to act against the complaint it (CPCB) has received regarding rampant mangroves destruction and dumping on wetlands and CRZ 1 area allegedly on the behest of the CIDCO at the area opposite Sector 2, Ulwe.
This resurgence of dumping echoes a previous incident in May, 2023 when environmentalist and Navi Mumbai resident Sunil Agarwal provided irrefutable evidence. It prompted MPCB to issue a directive to CIDCO to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As a result, the dumping ceased, eliciting relief from residents and environment. However, just 10 months later, the dumping resumed on a larger scale, much to the dismay of the community. Once again, concerned citizens have taken to platforms like the Mangroves Suraksha App and Twitter, sharing compelling evidence of the devastation. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-renewed-mangroves-destruction-at-ulwe-cpcb-calls-for-action (20 March 2024) In a video posted on social media, a dumper can be seen disposing of mud on an open plot close to mangroves. https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/its-high-time-we-realised-the-importance-of-mangroves-23340995 (22 March 2024)
‘Debris dumping not stopped despite complaints’ The Navi Mumbai International Airport is connected with the Atal Setu via a coastal road in the Ulwe node. The locals are not clear whether the dumping is done for the road work or for some other purpose. However, the massive dumping and levelling work is done during the daytime. Over the last two years the debris dumping has resulted in killing of a large number of mangroves and reclamation of acres of coastal regulatory zone land.
Referring to the complaint filed by Sunil Agarwal, the board has asked CIDCO to take appropriate action against those dumping debris in the area to prevent any damage to the mangroves. Local resident Dr Amar Satpute alleged, “The dumping of debris and ongoing work is never monitored by any agency. Even if the coastal road work is underway there is no need to have massive dumping on a large scale beyond the limits of the road size.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/debris-dumping-not-stopped-at-ulwe-despite-complaints/articleshow/109656079.cms (28 April 2024)
4. Nerul Wetlands Alert resident prevents illegal debris dumping The vigilant actions of a concerned resident averted an environmental catastrophe on Feb. 14 as illegal debris dumping in Lotus Lake was thwarted. Lotus Lake, situated in sector 27, Nerul, has been continuously threatened by unlawful dumping activities. Despite persistent efforts, debris dumping still occurs, often under the cover of darkness along the lake’s banks. Members of the Save Lotus Lake group expressed outrage upon seeing the photographic evidence of debris dumping and demanded immediate action, including the confiscation of the JCB machine. They also called for stringent measures against the debris mafia, urging the NMMC and CIDCO to adhere to Bombay High Court orders to prevent further dumping in Lotus Lake. https://www.newsband.in/article_detail/alert-resident-prevents-illegal-debris-dumping-in-lotus-lake (15 Feb. 2024)
Bid to grab slice of Nerul wetlands foiled Alertness shown by activists working to preserve the Nerul wetlands and likewise prompt action by the authorities ensured that an alleged attempt to usurp a portion of Nerul Wetlands was successfully thwarted on May 11. Residents were surprised to see boards getting fixed declaring the area as private property and trespassers was to be prosecuted. Following the fixing of the board, activists also observed that there were laborers and concrete cement mixers brought into the area in a bid to construct an entry gate. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-bid-to-grab-slice-of-nerul-wetlands-foiled-thanks-to-activists (11 May 2024)
Activist alleges Nerul wetland destruction Environment activist Sunil Agarwal has raised concerns over the destruction of wetlands, lakes, mangroves, and other natural resources in Sector 60, Nerul. Following a complaint lodged by Law Global on behalf of Agarwal, an inspection was carried out by the Tahsildar, Thane, at pockets A, B, C, D, and E in Sector 60 on Dec 23, 2024, under the direction of Mah Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA).
The Panchnama revealed the presence of a wetland, flanked by mangroves on one side and separated by an unpaved kuccha dam road. The inspection contradicted earlier statements by CIDCO denying the existence of wetlands in the area and claiming the presence of a road on the creekward side of pockets A and E. Agarwal has questioned these discrepancies in statements and has called on authorities, including the MCZMA, the Urban Development Ministry, the MoEF&CC to clarify. https://www.newsband.in/article_detail/activist-alleges-wetland-destruction-in-nerul (27 Dec. 2024)
5. Kharghar Wetlands Greens complain: PMAY houses built on mangrove zones The houses built by the CIDCO under PM’s Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Navi Mumbai have violated the environmental conditions and mangrove buffer zones, Green groups have complained to the PM. The PMAY projects, particularly in Mansarovar and Kharghar, areas have come up in proximity of mangroves, mudflats and inter-tidal wetlands, the complaint filed by NatConnect Foundation on PMO Public Grievance website, said. The status report on the website says the complaint has been referred to the Director in the MoEF&CC Arvind Kumar Agrawal. NatConnect attached the recent Google Earth picture and actual ground photographs. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-houses-under-pm-awas-yojana-built-on-mangrove-zones-greens-complain-to-pm-modi (16 Aug 2024)
Biodiversity survey The Kharghar Wetlands & Hills, in collaboration with environmentalists & local authorities, will conduct a biodiversity survey on Feb 1, 2025, ahead of World Wetlands Day. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/kharghar-wetlands-hills-to-conduct-biodiversity-survey-with-environmentalists-local-authorities-on-feb-1 (29 Jan. 2025)
Mangrove faces imminent threat Concerns are mounting over the precarious state of the mangrove ecosystem in Sector 17, Kharghar, as miscreants have obstructed the flow of tidal water in the area’s creek. Environmental activists have sounded the alarm, highlighting the detrimental impact of this blockade on the delicate balance of the mangrove habitat.
In recent days, the flow of tidal water into the creek at Sector 17 has been severely restricted, leading to rapid drying of the channel passing through the mangrove area. The combination of deliberate blockages and intensified summer heat poses an existential threat to the ecosystem, with healthy mangroves now facing decay. https://www.newsband.in/article_detail/mangrove-ecosystem-in-sector-17-kharghar-faces-imminent-threat-due-to-blockage-of-tidal-water-flow (2 May 2024)
CRP buries mangroves, wetlands: Greens Vast stretches of mangroves & intertidal wetlands are being buried in the construction of Kharghar-Nerul coastal road in Navi Mumbai by CIDCO, according to environmental groups. The construction of Coastal Road Project at Sector-25, Kharghar by CIDCO, a state govt undertaking, is in total violation of the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted by the MOEFCC, NatConnect Foundation and Kharghar Wetlands and Hills Forum said in a statement. The MOEFCC has given a conditional EC that the road should be built on stilts, avoiding damage to mangroves, BN Kumar said. The ministry had originally kept the EC in abeyance asking CIDCO to submit alternative plans. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/navi-mumbai-coastal-road-buries-mangroves-wetlands-greens-sos-to-centre-3308436 (8 Dec 2024)
6. Panje Wetlands Wetland goes dry as officials busy with polls: Greens With govt machinery on election duty, the 289-ha wetland at Panje in Uran which once housed vast biodiversity has gone dry again with the shutting down of “illegal” sluice gates on the adjoining creek, environmentalists have complained to the authorities. Even during the 2019 Lok Sabha poll, major wetlands and stretches of mangroves were buried in Uran and Vashi, expressing regret that no action was taken despite subsequent official inspections confirming the damage.
“As per the state environment director’s Nov 11, 2020, order, Cidco was supposed to maintain tidal water flow to the wetland, which is the size of around 30 Azad Maidans, yet the city planner keeps violating norms,” Nandakumar Pawar, head of Sagar Shakti group, said. “This is worrisome as India ranks 176 out of 180 countries in international biodiversity index and it is high time that we started building back the biodiversity of Panje,” B N Kumar said. Pawar and Kumar warned that the killing of the Panje wetland would spell disaster for Uran as tidal water will find its way and flood other areas. In fact, the burial of intertidal wetlands has already been causing unseasonal floods in the villages, they said, appealing to the govt to take the issue seriously and conserve the wetland. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/biodiversity-rich-panje-wetland-goes-dry-as-officials-busy-with-polls-say-greens/articleshow/115382090.cms (17 Nov. 2024) Even as the migratory bird season has begun, the Panje wetland has gone dry with the blocking of intertidal water flow, much against the state environment department’s orders, green groups said. BN Kumar pointed out that as per BNHS studies, Panje attracts at least 50 species of birds, including 30 migratory ones. The wetland, which is also a source of fishing for the local community, is now more or less dead with the blocking of intertidal water flow. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-289-hectare-panje-wetland-dries-up-environmental-groups-warn-of-ecological-crisis (14 Nov. 2024)
7. Borivali Mangroves Destroyed for commercial centres: Activist A city-based environmentalist has sent a reminder to the forest dept and state authorities about a complaint he had filed in Nov 2022 on the destruction of mangroves in Borivali’s CRZ for the construction of 2 commercial convention centres and a go-karting track. Following the reminder by Reji Abraham of United Association for Social Education & Public Welfare Trust, members of the state-monitored mangroves protection committee will undertake a site visit at Eksar village, Borivali, to inquire into the issue. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mangroves-in-borivali-under-threat-activist-claims-destruction-for-commercial-development/articleshow/114022434.cms (07 Oct. 2024)
Mangrove land to be used for wedding: Locals Nearly 30 acres of a coastal buffer zone of mangroves in Borivli 
was illegally reclaimed by dumping truckloads of debris over the mangroves in the past 20 days, and a part of this encroached land is to be used for a private wedding function which is to take place on Feb 23, local residents have said. While the local activists and members of the New Link Road Residents Forum have complained to the state mangrove cell, the tehsildar, & also the BMC, no immediate action was taken by the authorities to remove the illegally dumped debris at the site. Range forest officer Shankar Kavate confirmed that he had received the complaint from the New Link Road Residents Forum & site visit has been planned for Feb 25. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mangrove-land-in-borivli-to-be-used-for-wedding-locals/articleshow/118487704.cms (23 Feb. 2025)
8. Vasai-Virar Wetlands Activist moves NGT against debris dumping The NGT has taken cognizance of the complaint filed by an environmental activist, Charan Bhatt, alleging that the Debris mafias of Palghar district are allegedly exploiting the wetland in Vasai-Virar by pouring loads of the constriction derbies in the protected zones. The activist has pleaded to appoint a SIT and investigate the matter. The NGT has thus asked the Wetland Division, MoEF, MCZMA, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, CPCB, and Vasai Virar Municipal Corp to investigate the matter & file affidavits. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/climate-activist-moves-ngt-against-wetland-debris-dumping-in-vasai-virar (31 July 2024)
Eco-warrior who fought to save wetlands no more Fr Francis D’Britto, 81, was known for his active involvement in various public movements, particularly the Harit Vasai initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and green practices. He had also formed an environmental protection committee to counter MMR’s draft plan to set up a growth centre on 1,560 acres of former salt pan lands in Vasai’s wetlands. He had termed it “builder driven” to destroy Vasai’s green zone. “Most green belts have been proposed as development zones. We have been fighting against reckless development for three decades,” he had said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/eco-warrior-priest-fr-francis-dbritto-passes-away-after-fighting-to-save-vasai-wetlands/articleshow/112026927.cms (26 July 2024)
9. Juhu Koliwada Mangroves Athorities turn blind eye on destruction Once a green haven, the lush mangrove thicket on Juhu Koliwada Beach has slowly but steadily been destroyed over the years by debris dumping and encroachments. Upset Juhu Koliwada residents and a local citizen-led group called ‘Juhu Buzz’ have released photos captured by the Google Earth Pro app in 2018 to show how the mangrove patch has been ravaged. Residents said they had been writing to the BMC, district collector, forest department and the mangrove cell, but apart from some temporary encroachment removal, no firm action was taken. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/authorities-turn-blind-eye-to-steady-destruction-of-juhu-koliwada-mangroves-101708193990492.html (18 Feb. 2024)
10. Dharavi Project Greens worried about urban assault on salt pans The matter was also challenged in the Bombay High Court in Oct 2024. Sagar Devre, a lawyer and Mumbai resident, raised concerns about the ecological significance of salt pan land, emphasising its role as a vital part of the coastal ecosystem. Supporting mangroves, wetlands and estuaries, this land not only maintains an ecological balance but also provides livelihoods for salt harvesters. Devre highlighted that salt pans, being low-lying areas, act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and preventing excessive flooding. He warned that allowing construction on these lands would lead to environmental disasters.
“Salt pans act as essential natural holding ponds, which prevent the higher ground of Greater Mumbai, especially the eastern suburbs, from flooding during monsoon storms. Opening salt pans for intensive uses like mass slum rehabilitation will have serious environmental implications, as this watershed will be impacted and will require significant mitigation measures,” said Pankaj Joshi, urban planner & principal director of the Urban Centre Mumbai.
Salt pans are akin to wetlands said BN Kumar. “It is a gross misconception that salt pans are developable land parcels,” he said. “Water tends to find its own course if one plays with it, and we have ample examples of flooding in concrete jungles built on wetlands,” Kumar added. https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/dharavi-redevelopment-environmentalists-worried-about-urban-assault-on-salt-pans-23453630 (26 Dec. 2024)
Some Relevant Reports
Study Changes in mangroves, wetlands mapped Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have mapped the changes in Maharashtra’s mangroves and wetlands over the past decade. The study found that the mangrove areas in the coastal Palghar district decreased by about 15% between 2010 and 2020, while in Mumbai, the mangrove regions increased by 16%. However, the wetland areas have decreased significantly in Palghar by 19%, with no big change in Mumbai. The increase in mangroves in Mumbai is likely because of the efforts to protect these areas, showing that conservation efforts can make a difference!
The research offers clear evidence of how human activities, like urbanization and construction, are impacting these sensitive ecosystems. By understanding these changes, policymakers and environmentalists in India can make better decisions about how to protect these invaluable areas. https://researchmatters.in/news/study-maps-changes-mangroves-and-wetlands-along-maharashtras-coastline (11 Jan. 2025)
Report Restore 4 Bhiwandi wetlands turned into dumps: NGT-The NGT has ordered the Thane collectorate to clean up four wetlands in Anjur Dive village in Bhiwandi, which were turned into a dumping ground over the last one year. The order dated December 18, which was passed in response to a petition filed by environmental NGO Vanashakti, was uploaded on Tuesday (07 Jan.). The NGT order states that the owners of the concerned land should be held accountable for the removal of the debris and restoration of the wetlands. NGT has ordered the exercise to be completed within three months of the date of uploading the order. “A compliance report in that regard should be submitted to this Tribunal,” the order reads.
-“The city has about 800 hectares of wetlands, which are diminishing with time, as people want to turn them into commercial places, failing to understand their ecological importance,” said Stalin. Stalin added that there were more cases across the city where wetlands were turned into dumping yards to build illegal warehouses. “Their verdicts are expected this month,” he said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/restore-4-bhiwandi-wetlands-turned-into-dumps-green-tribunal-to-thane-collector-101736277207138.html (08 Jan. 2025)
Opinion Cries to save waterbodies What prevented the so-called urban planners in Chennai or Mumbai, or any major city for that matter, from designing a proper stormwater drainage system? These are all highly qualified officers, and it is difficult to believe that they do not have knowledge of El-Nino & climate change. (BN Kumar) https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-to-chennai-cries-to-save-waterbodies (2 Nov 2024)
Compiled by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
SANDRP 