Supreme Court Ruling Protects 2.31 Lakh Wetlands, Including Navi Mumbai’s NRI, DPS, and TS Chanakya Wetlands

Navi Mumbai, 12th December 2024: The Supreme Court’s ruling on Wednesday to safeguard over 2.31 lakh wetlands nationwide has brought renewed hope for the protection of Navi Mumbai’s vital NRI, DPS, and TS Chanakya wetlands. These wetlands, identified by ISRO in 2021, are now included under the court’s protective order.

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah directed state authorities to demarcate and verify all wetlands larger than 2.25 hectares within three months. This decision follows an intervention by Vanashakti and Anand Arya, who have long campaigned for wetland conservation.

Stalin D, convenor of Vanashakti, acknowledged the ruling as a positive development but expressed concerns about its implementation. “While the judgment is a significant step forward, I fear that authorities might exploit loopholes. Nevertheless, the protection of the two lakh wetlands identified in the first phase is a promising start,” he said.

This ruling is a critical milestone for Navi Mumbai, where the NRI, DPS, and TS Chanakya wetlands have been threatened by encroachment and urban development. Environmentalists have consistently called for safeguarding these areas, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, flood control, and climate stability in the region.

The court’s directive mandates state authorities to complete the ground truthing of wetlands and protect them under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. This includes wetlands that were previously left vulnerable due to a lack of formal recognition.

Sunil Agarwal, convenor of Wetlands Champion, emphasized the significance of the new order. “Despite the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling, states have largely failed to complete ground truthing and demarcation, with only Punjab and Assam making some progress. This latest directive strengthens our cause, ensuring that wetlands like NRI and TS Chanakya are now protected.”

The Supreme Court reiterated the importance of wetlands in supporting local ecosystems and urged state authorities to act swiftly. Environmentalists and residents in Navi Mumbai hope the ruling will prevent further degradation of the city’s wetlands and ensure their preservation for future generations.