The DPS flamingo lake is once again brimming with vibrant life as hundreds of flamingos have returned, following the restoration of two vital channels connecting the lake to Thane Creek. With inter tidal water now freely flowing into the 30-acre wetland, bird watchers and conservationists are celebrating a major ecological revival.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) successfully cleared the blocked channels, previously obstructed by vested interests, allowing natural tidal flow to resume. This effort is part of the recommendations made by a high-level committee that investigated the alarming flamingo deaths between January and May 2024.

B N Kumar, director of the NatConnect Foundation, recalled the committee’s suggestions and commended Forest Minister Ganesh Naik for his strong commitment to restoring the lake.

"Following the directive, NMMC engineers not only removed the blockages but also lowered the connecting pipes to ensure smooth inflow and outflow of water with the tides," Kumar said, adding, “Thanks to Minister Naik’s push, the lake is alive again. The restoration has created an ideal habitat for flamingos and other wetland species." He further added that the state government has agreed to grant the lake conservation reserve status. He emphasized the need to formalize the decision with a gazette notification.

The return of flamingos has turned the area into a hotspot for nature lovers and bird watchers. With mobile phones and DSLR cameras in hand, enthusiasts have begun flocking to the site to witness the graceful birds feeding and flying over the water.

“This is the scene we have longed to see,” said avid bird watcher Satish Dabral. “It’s a reward for all those who fought to save this wetland.”

Environmentalists are optimistic that other wetlands in the area will receive similar protection. “We are confident that the NRI wetland, which is currently stagnant and dirty, will also be declared a conservation reserve,” said author and nature advocate Jayant Hudar.

“With Minister Naik’s efforts, Navi Mumbai can truly live up to its tag as the ‘Flamingo City’—and perhaps even turn pink,” said Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS), which has been pursuing legal action to safeguard the wetlands.