The recent removal of over 2.5 tonnes of algal sludge from the DPS Flamingo Lake in Nerul has brought temporary relief to a wetland that had turned visibly toxic, but environmentalists caution that the larger
ecological crisis remains unresolved.
The mangrove cell’s ‘Operation DPS Flamingo Lake cleanup’ marks the first significant on-ground intervention after months of concern over the deteriorating condition of the wetland, a key satellite habitat of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. Using boats, forest officials have been clearing 500–600 kg of algae daily from the lake, where thick deposits had choked the ecosystem.
While the initiative has been welcomed, activists say it addresses only the symptoms and not the root causes. The primary concern remains the disruption of the lake’s natural tidal flow. Experts point out that while seawater enters during high tide, the weak outgoing tide fails to flush out pollutants due to elevated drainage channels.
“The clean-up is necessary, but without restoring proper tidal exchange, the lake will continue to suffer from stagnation and recurring algal blooms,” said B N Kumar of NatConnect Foundation, stressing the need to rework the drainage system.
The issue is part of a broader environmental decline affecting interconnected wetlands such as DPS, NRI, and T.S. Chanakya. Studies have flagged alarming water quality levels, including extremely high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), elevated pH, and dangerous Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels—clear indicators of pollution and oxygen depletion.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns over lapses in enforcement of directives issued by the National Green Tribunal regarding wetland protection and water quality management.
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The ecological impact is already evident, with flamingos skipping the wetlands this season—an indication of a disrupted food chain, particularly the depletion of algae that sustains them. Activists warn that unless long-term restoration measures are implemented, the wetlands may continue to lose their ecological significance.
“There is an urgent need for continuous monitoring and a comprehensive restoration plan,” said conservationists, adding that the goal should be to restore the lake to its earlier state when it regularly attracted large flocks of flamingos.
While the clean-up drive signals long-awaited action, experts underline that sustainable intervention not periodic removal of sludge will determine the future health of Navi Mumbai’s fragile wetland ecosystem.
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