Navi Mumbai takes bird conservation measures, fences DPS lake

Navi Mumbai: In an effort to protect the birds that are being harassed by bird lovers, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has constructed a protective fence at the DPS lake, where thousands of flamingos land.

“Bird watchers jump into the dry part of the lake and throw stones. It has been observed that some people spot birds and take selfies using the background,” said BN Kumar, director of NetConnect Foundation.

The activist raised the issue of people coming close to the nest

Kumar raised the alarm against people coming dangerously close to the birds resting in the lake and then getting trapped in the mud.

When this was brought to the notice of NMMC, the then municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar immediately ordered fencing of the area and installation of warning sign boards. Ignoring the warnings, people still roam in the lake area.

Kumar along with his fellow workers raised the issue with the current civic chief, Rajesh Narvekar, who took serious cognizance of it and promised to look into the matter.

Fencing work completed efficiently

When contacted, city engineer Sanjay Desai said the NMMC issued a tender to erect fencing around the lake, appointed a contractor and completed the work recently.

The lake near the DPS along Palm Beach Road and other city wetlands is important from the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) point of view as the pink birds start flying here when the high tide level rises more than 15 cm. It presents a breathtaking view for nature lovers.

Over the years, the number of visitors has increased dramatically, earning the city the nickname Flamingo City. A major advantage of DPS Lake is the availability of ample parking along the service road.

“Now that the fencing work has been completed, it has become a safe haven for migratory birds and existing flora and fauna,” Kumar said.