Navi Mumbai: Following a formal complaint by Vanashakti Director Stalin D. about illegal dumping at Lotus Lake in Nerul — a site listed in the National Wetland Atlas — government authorities have stepped in to stop further environmental degradation.
Acting swiftly, the Mangrove Cell's Member Secretary and Deputy Conservator of Forests, Akshay Gajbhiye (IFS), personally inspected the site on Wednesday after receiving a video via WhatsApp showing debris being dumped into the lake. Officials from CIDCO present at the location claimed to have permission for the work but were unable to provide documentation.
Authorities Halt Illegal Debris Dumping At Nerul's Lotus Lake After Activist Complaint; CIDCO Under Scrutiny | File Photo
Gajbhiye immediately instructed the CIDCO engineers to halt all activities until proper approvals are verified. He has also directed CIDCO’s Joint Managing Director to examine all related documents and, if any violations are found, to initiate legal action under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. A report on the action taken is to be submitted to the Konkan Wetland Grievance Redressal Committee.
The Thane District Collector’s Office also responded to the complaint and Resident Deputy Collector Dr. Sandeep Mane issued a letter directing the Additional District Collector and Chief Controller of Unauthorized Constructions (CIDCO) to conduct a thorough investigation in coordination with the complainant.
Authorities Halt Illegal Debris Dumping At Nerul's Lotus Lake After Activist Complaint; CIDCO Under Scrutiny | File Photo
Referring to the Bombay High Court’s 2005 order in PIL No. 87/2006 and the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, the letter calls for immediate and appropriate action against anyone found damaging the wetland. A compliance report has been requested without delay.
Copies of the directive have been forwarded to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s Environment Department, and other local authorities for necessary enforcement.
Environmentalists have raised alarm over the recurring threats to Lotus Lake — an ecologically sensitive zone and habitat for numerous bird species — and welcomed the immediate government intervention. They now demand strict long-term protection to prevent further encroachment or destruction in the name of development.
Meanwhile, Cidco maintains its stand that the plot belongs to them and they can do as per their will. "We are the owners of the plot. The lake didnot exist when Navi Mumbai was formed. Over the years, the water got accumulated in the area," an officer from CIDCO said.
However, the activists claim that the question is not about ownership but about destruction of the water body. "The place is a part of wetland atlas and there are clear supreme court guidelines on protecting the wetland. Whoever may be the owner, the wetland cannot be destroyed, even by the owners themselves," said Sunil Agarwal, founder of Save Lotus lake group. Agarwal along with his wife Shruti, have been actively fighting against the debris dumping by Cidco.
The activists have also planned and environment walk at Lotus lake on Sunday at 10 am.
