In a strong show of public concern and environmental activism, residents and activists of Navi Mumbai have launched an online campaign to save Lotus Lake in Nerul. Within just one day, the petition — https://chng.it/fS2dkXdfWD - hosted on Change.org — gathered more than 650 signatures, reflecting the urgent demand from citizens to protect the ecologically rich wetland from further damage.
The petition started by Santosh Karkera states- “For me, as a concerned citizen of Navi Mumbai, the Lotus Lake wetland isn't just another piece of the map, it's the lifeline of the area, a natural treasure that represents the delicate balance of our ecosystem. This is an issue close to my heart, and fills me with dread when I see the constant flouting of environmental norms, despite the lake's protected status.”
The petition further states that the Lotus Lake wetland, located in Sector 27, Nerul, spans about 2.97 hectares. “It is dutifully mapped in the National Wetlands Atlas, acknowledging its significance and affirming its protection under the Wetland Rules. Yet, an alarming number of over 150 truckloads of debris have been brazenly dumped into the lake by CIDCO. This act is in direct violation of Supreme Court directives and stands in stark contravention to the environmental protection laws of our country,” the petition says.
The ecological implications of such actions are vast and devastating. Wetlands like Lotus Lake play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, acting as a natural filter and providing a habitat for a multitude of flora and fauna. Damage to such an ecosystem could result in severe environmental consequences, Karkera mentions further.
“We must stand up for our natural heritage before it's too late. We demand that CIDCO immediately halt further debris dumping, embark on a clean-up operation and implement measures to restore and protect the Lotus Lake wetland. Each and every Navi Mumbaikar should sign this petition to voice your support to save Lotus Lake, protect our environment and uphold the law,” Activist Sunil Agarwal said.
On Sunday morning, despite heavy rainfall, over 50 citizens gathered at Lotus Lake for a peaceful protest titled “Chalo Lotus Lake – A Collective Stand for Nature.” The demonstration underscored the lake’s importance as a designated wetland and a natural habitat that must be safeguarded under existing legal frameworks.
