Navi Mumbai: Concerned citizens and environmental activists will form a silent human chain around DPS Flamingo Lake on February 2, 2025, marking World Wetlands Day, to protest against the continued deterioration of the wetland due to CIDCO’s blockage of intertidal water flow. The event aims to draw attention to the critical need for preserving the lake, which serves as a vital flamingo habitat.

Despite a high-level state government committee recommending that the wetland be declared a Conservation Reserve, CIDCO has yet to act, leading to further degradation. The Mangrove Cell has also reminded CIDCO of its responsibility to protect the area, but concerns remain unaddressed.

The silent protest will take place from 8 AM to 9 AM at DPS Lake, along the service road parallel to Palm Beach Road. Organizers have urged nature lovers, environmentalists, and citizens to participate in large numbers to amplify their message and pressure authorities into action.

“We need to continue raising our voices for the wetland and our biodiversity. A silent protest can be loud enough to wake up the authorities,” said NatConnect Director BN Kumar, encouraging widespread participation.

With World Wetlands Day serving as a fitting occasion, the demonstrators hope to highlight the importance of wetland conservation and demand immediate intervention to restore intertidal water flow to DPS Flamingo Lake, he added.