Environmentalists Sound Alarm Over Flamingo Deaths in Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai, 27th April 2024: In Navi Mumbai, environmentalists are pointing to the defunct Nerul jetty, constructed by CIDCO near wetlands frequented by Flamingos, as a contributing factor to unexplained deaths and injuries among the birds. Activists have identified that one of the three inlets supplying tidal water to the lake from the creek, specifically the inlet near the Nerul Jetty, is completely buried under construction debris. This particular inlet, facing the jetty, is a significant feeder of intertidal water into the wetland.
Resident activist Rekha Sankhala expressed concern over the recent mysterious deaths of 10 Flamingos within a week, two of which occurred due to injuries sustained while attempting to cross the Palm Beach road. The lake frequented by the birds is experiencing inadequate water levels due to non-functioning inlets from the creekside.
On Thursday, 12 flamingos were injured after venturing into the marshier side of the wetland, with five succumbing to their injuries that day and two more reported dead on Friday during treatment. This prompted outrage among activists against CIDCO’s practices allegedly disturbing the flamingos’ habitat. A joint inspection on Friday involved officials from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), Mangrove Cell, Forest department, as well as representatives from organizations like Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Wild Welfare Association (WWA), and Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW).
Concerned about the lake drying up and endangering the flamingos, a letter was addressed to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner highlighting the poor condition of the water inlets. Out of the three inlets, only one is partially operational, while the two major inlets are buried under mud and debris due to CIDCO’s construction work on the non-functional jetty. Sankhala urged NMMC to clean the blockages in the existing inlet.
Activists are calling on residents to take responsibility for clearing blockages in the water inlets, alleging CIDCO’s vested interests in construction projects. Director of NGO Vanashakti, Stalin D, emphasized citizen action due to perceived government inaction against CIDCO.
Deepak Khade, Divisional Forest Officer of Mangrove Cell-Mumbai, led the forest department’s inspection of the inlets and will submit a report to the Mangrove Cell head. Despite efforts, attempts to contact CIDCO Pro went unanswered.
