Navi Mumbai: Environmental groups raised concern over the deteriorating condition of DPS Flamingo Lake at Nerul in Navi Mumbai, a key satellite wetland linked to the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), as the winter migration season advanced without the customary arrival of large flocks of flamingos. Large stretches of the lake are smothered by a dense green carpet of algae, leaving only narrow channels of open water and prompting fears that the wetland is turning hostile for flamingos and other waterbirds.NatConnect Foundation drew attention to a Ramsar-linked study on flamingo mortality which documented that excessive algal blooms, particularly when dominated by cyanobacteria, could release toxins and trigger mass die-offs, as seen historically in several major flamingo habitats abroad. The study stated that while flamingos fed on algae, uncontrolled blooms altered food quality and water chemistry in ways that could prove fatal. It also stated that flamingos are highly sensitive to changes in feeding conditions and water quality, often abandoning otherwise familiar wetlands once ecological thresholds were breached.NatConnect made an urgent representation to the Maharashtra Mangrove Cell, seeking immediate removal of excessive algal growth and restoration of the lake to make it suitable for flamingos. “This is no longer a cosmetic issue. The lake is visibly stressed,” said NatConnect director B N Kumar, referring to stagnant algal mats that reduced dissolved oxygen levels and severely limited feeding grounds. The situation worsened in recent weeks, with algae deposits initially seen on the eastern side of the lake shifting to the western side due to tidal inflows and settling there, said Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS).The persistence of the problem raised serious questions, especially since the Mangrove Cell had continuous monitoring teams at the site, Sareen said. Sareen added he earlier noticed mysterious froth forming in parts of the lake and apprehended that there could be attempts to sabotage the wetland. He said he drew the attention of concerned officials to the development, but no action followed.DPS Flamingo Lake was declared a conservation reserve following public outcry after the mysterious deaths of several flamingos last year, but the formal govt resolution is still awaited. “Conservation status without active, on-ground ecological management risked remaining symbolic rather than effective,” said V K Gandhi, president of NMEPS.According to nature enthusiasts, a small group of flamingos briefly arrived at TCFS last month, possibly to scout habitat conditions, but sightings dropped sharply. Flamingos typically arrive in the Mumbai region by Oct or Nov. Experts attributed the delayed migration partly to prolonged monsoon conditions and sustained water availability in the Rann of Kutch, which may have reduced the urgency for southward movement. However, once birds began scouting winter habitats, the quality of local wetlands became decisive. Satellite wetlands such as DPS Flamingo Lake functioned as essential secondary habitats, providing feeding and resting grounds that reduced pressure on the core sanctuary and allowed flamingos to spread safely across the landscape.
