Environmentally concerned individuals from the MMR region have welcomed the newly appointed committee formed by the State Government to safeguard DPS Lake in Navi Mumbai. They also appeal to the committee to sincerely look into the conservation of other flamingo habitats, particularly the NRI and TS Chanakya wetlands.

Members of the Save Navi Mumbai Environment group sent emails welcoming the committee, which comprises senior officials from various government departments, the president of BNHS, and a member of the Mangrove Cell. They also requested the committee to suggest measures to protect the natural habitats of flamingos in Nerul and the surrounding mangrove forests. The appeal, addressed to Member Secretary Shri Ramarao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangrove Cell) APCCF, was immediately acknowledged by Sri Rama Rao.

In their letter, the members included a detailed report explaining the significance of the NRI and TS Chanakya wetlands, which are considered satellite wetlands of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, a Ramsar site. Advocate Pradeep Patole mentioned the role of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a reputed expert agency in ornithology, which highlighted the importance of these wetlands in their 2019 report.

Sunil Agarwal, founder of the Save Navi Mumbai Environment group, elaborated on their intentions, stating, “We want the committee to consider the TCFS management plan report and BNHS report, which highlight the importance of the TS Chanakya and NRI wetlands for flamingos as roosting sites during high tide. We hope the committee will recommend the preservation of all three water bodies, including DPS Lake.”

D.K. Jain from the Save Lotus Lake group urged for observer status in the committee's meetings, emphasizing that saving nature is everyone’s birth right. Dr. Dhirendra Tripathi, a general surgeon and bird watcher, commented, “These water bodies are crucial for thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos, for resting, courtship, and feeding. Habitat loss and disturbances are causing disorientation and death among these birds. We earnestly request the conservation of the NRI and TS Chanakya wetlands along with DPS Lake.”

Vidyasagar Hariharan, an avid birder and bird photographer, expressed hope that the committee will consider these reports in their meetings to prepare a comprehensive management plan for securing the natural habitat of flamingos in DPS Lake and the surrounding area in Nerul.