Navi Mumbai News: Nerul Residents, Activists To Protest Again At Lotus Lake Over CIDCO’s Inaction On Wetland Debris Removal
Navi Mumbai: The activists and residents of sector 27 at Nerul have decided to gather once again on Sunday at the Lotus lake to demonstrate their disappointment with the CIDCO who have till date not removed the debris they dumped to the lake. On Sunday, at 7 am the activists have called out to residents for maximum participation to save the lotus lake.
Even as the mass movement of the residents is slowly taking shape, activists like Stalin D from Vanashakti, Sunil Agarwal from Save Lotus Lake group and Adv Pradeep Patole had made complaints to the wetland authority, taking cognizance of which forest department has inspected the lake area.
“Range Forest Officer Sudhir Manjare had visited the lake and he is yet to submit his report after studying the wetland atlas. We are hopeful that our fight would not go in vain,” Adv Patole said. Meanwhile, Adv Patole has also filed an interim application at the High Court.
Patole has requested the court to recall its earlier order dated April 29, which had resulted in the final disposal of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 25 of 2021. He contends that substantial issues remain unaddressed and has requested that the PIL be restored for full adjudication, including the hearing of pending interim reliefs.
He has also challenged a recent work order dated May 9, issued by CIDCO alleging that the order is connected to the unresolved matters raised in the PIL. He has requested that the court cancel the said work order. Pending the final hearing of the application Adv Ptole has urged the court to stay the execution of the work order and restrain CIDCO from taking any further steps based on it.
“The Supreme Court asks to safeguard the wetlands, CIDCO instead destroys the wetland. They could be the owners, but that doesn’t mean that they can destroy the lake. This is probably the only freshwater lake in Navi Mumbai so the aquatic inhabitants found here wont be found anywhere else and same applies to the flora and fauna of this place. We had decided to gather again if CIDCO fails to listen to our requests and does not retrieve the debris dumped by them,” Agarwal said.
Organized under the banner #ChaloLotusLake, the initiative seeks to bring attention to the urgent need for protecting natural water bodies in Navi Mumbai. The event highlights the message: “A clean, green city needs its people,” and encourages families to stand together for a greener future.
Activists and locals alike stress that preserving Lotus Lake is not just about conservation, but also about giving future generations a chance to experience the joy and wonder of nature.
Children, parents, environmentalists, and concerned citizens are all expected to participate in the community gathering aimed at amplifying the demand to protect one of Navi Mumbai’s last remaining natural lakes.
Participants are encouraged to carry banners, wear green, and bring their children to show that the fight for nature is also a fight for their future.
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