Latest news with #NationalWetlandInventoryandAssessment
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Maharashtra government seeks reports on Lotus lake wetland issue
Navi Mumbai: RTI documents reveal that the Maharashtra govt has sought comprehensive reports from the Thane district collector and CIDCO regarding dumping activities at Lotus Lake, a recognised three-hectare wetland in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. This development follows the Central govt's instructions to the State Environment Department to investigate NatConnect Foundation's complaints about CIDCO's debris disposal activities into the wetland. NatConnect Director B N Kumar submitted a grievance through the PMO public grievance portal to the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) regarding CIDCO's plans to fill the lake at Sector-27, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. The matter was acknowledged by Pankaj Verma, Scientist-F in the MOEFCC's Wetland Division, who directed state environment director Abhay Madhukar Pimparkar to handle the complaint. Through an RTI inquiry with the state Environment Department, Kumar requested details about actions following the MOEFCC directive. The department disclosed that the state requested separate reports from both authorities. Kumar noted this indicates serious official consideration of the Lotus Lake issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai NatConnect continues its efforts to safeguard Lotus Lake, referencing official RTI documentation that confirms its wetland designation. The lake is included amongst 564 wetlands studied by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) under state govt direction for pending wetland notification. Kumar's petition reminded MOEFCC about its instruction to preserve wetlands following the Supreme Court decision identified by the Space Application Centre under the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment. The Bombay High Court has safeguarded Lotus Lake through two PILs filed by Adv Pradeep Patole, instructing CIDCO to clear debris and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to tackle illegal occupations. Notwithstanding these protective measures, CIDCO engaged a private agency, owned by an influential politician, to deposit debris from the Navi Mumbai International Airport construction onto the wetland. CIDCO asserts ownership of the Lotus Lake whilst rejecting its wetland status, leading to debris dumping for commercial development purposes.
New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority seeks report on Madambakkam lake encroachment
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority (TNSWA) has requested an immediate action taken report from district authorities regarding the protection and management of Madambakkam Lake in Chengalpattu district. The direction, issued by Srinivas R Reddy, principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary of TNSWA, comes in the wake of multiple petitions filed by local residents and environmental activists raising concerns over sewage pollution, encroachments, and developmental threats to the waterbody. The lake, recorded as 'Periya Eri' in the A-register, is spread on 247 acres, but discrepancies were flagged as the Field Measurement Book (FMB) sketch shows only 237 acres. The authority said there was a need to verify the actual extent of the lake and noted that the district forest officer, Chennai Division, was asked to submit a field inspection report, which is still pending. The TNSWA letter said petitions were received alleging unregulated development in survey numbers closer to the lake, which could increase flood risks during heavy rains. The lake is listed in ISRO's National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA) reports of 2011 and 2021. In line with the Supreme Court's order dated December 11, 2024, the authority instructed district officials to conduct ground truthing and shapefile demarcation to legally protect the lake under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
