The Maharashtra Forest Department has taken a significant step to enlarge the DPS Flamingo Lake Conservation Reserve area to 36 hectares, up from the earlier proposed 12 hectares. Conservationists believe this move could effectively counter Cidco's controversial real estate plans for the ecologically sensitive wetland in Navi Mumbai.
Revised Proposal Awaits Government Resolution
The revised proposal, which now awaits the final Government Resolution (GR), substantially increases the protected footprint around the lake, according to official documents reviewed by TOI. Conservationists have welcomed the move and urged the state government to fast-track the GR, which has been pending since Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced protective measures for the wetland.
Importance of Expanded Reserve
B N Kumar, director of the NGO NatConnect Foundation, emphasized that flamingos and other migratory birds depend not only on open water but also on feeding grounds, roosting areas, mangroves, and undisturbed tidal habitats around the lake. The expansion of the reserve ensures these critical areas are safeguarded.
The development gains added significance as Cidco had earlier estimated the real estate value of the DPS Flamingo Lake land parcel at around Rs 3,600 crore. The latest georeferenced map for the proposed reserve in Karave village shows a total protected area of 36.8784 hectares, comprising:
- 9.3085 hectares of waterbody
- 6.2416 hectares of dense mangrove forest
- 2.7018 hectares of creek area
- 0.4404 hectares of mudflat
- 18.1861 hectares of access road and surrounding lake area
Conservationists hope that the state government will issue the GR promptly to ensure long-term protection of this vital ecosystem and prevent any further encroachment or development that could harm the habitat of flamingos and other migratory birds.
