DPS Flamingo Lake in Navi Mumbai Made a Conservation Reserve
Why in the news
The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved conservation reserve status for DPS Flamingo Lake in Navi Mumbai. The move protects an important flamingo resting and feeding wetland.
Key facts
- Site: DPS Flamingo Lake, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai, about 30 acres.
- It is the first wetland connected to the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary to be given such protection.
- It lies beside the Thane Creek Ramsar site.
- Flamingos from the sanctuary use it as a resting and feeding ground, especially at high tide.
- Earlier construction blocked tidal inlets, and 17 flamingos died.
- Forest officials say about 60% of the algae-choked water has been cleared after tidal inlets were reopened.
About the wetland
The lake is part of the Thane Creek ecosystem, a tidal waterbody with freshwater and marine influences on the Central Asian Flyway. The main species is the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). It also acts as a buffer against floods and sea-water intrusion. Losing such wetlands could push flamingos towards the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, raising bird-strike risk.
Exam angle
- Static link: Ramsar site (Thane Creek) and flamingo sanctuary in Maharashtra.
- Scientific name of the Greater Flamingo: Phoenicopterus roseus.
- Approval came from the State Wildlife Board under the CM.