| Date: |
26-12-2014 |
| Subject: |
'Navi Mumbai wetlands may soon turn into dustbowls' |
NAVI MUMBAI: Bird watchers and environmentalists are concerned at the dumping of debris in the last surviving wetlands of Uran, once a haven for migratory birds.
"During a recent bird-watching trip to Uran taluka, we were absolutely devastated to see scores of dumpers lined up next to the wetlands at Jasai and Karal areas, dumping earth and debris directly into the eco-sensitive water bodies where the winter birds are also seen,'' said naturalist and avid bird watcher, Sunjoy Monga. "Locals said the landfills were to reclaim land for the proposed SEZs. I urge Cidco and other authorities not to destroy these wetlands and instead include them in construction plans, so the birds continue to return to these natural habitats," he said.
Monga said in the past six years, several other wetlands have been completely wiped out near the JNPT areas of Nhava Sheva, making it all the more essential to ensure the last of the surviving wetlands are not buried by debris to create more concrete jungles.
While the chief spokesperson of Cidco said they will have to study the issue before responding, nature lovers said prompt action has to be taken, as debris is being dumped by the hour on a daily basis.
Uran tehsildar Nitin Chavan told TOI: "A total land area which encompasses 27 villages has been acquired by Cidco for SEZ projects. As for the reported damage of wetlands, no special provision has been made to preserve them. Perhaps the forest department or Maharashtra Pollution Control Board can look into this issue."
Anarjit Chauhan, a Navi Mumbai-based environmentalist, said: "In the rush to build townships in and around the upcoming Navi Mumbai international airport, nobody seems to be bothered about preserving ecosystems, like the wetlands. Soon, we may only see pictures of these wetlands and birds in books and videos."
"Over 75% of wetlands in Uran have been destroyed in the name of development in the last seven years. All we are asking of government agencies is to stop 'attacking water' as it is the elixir of life for birds," said Monga.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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