Navi Mumbai: On the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed annually on May 22, environmentalists have appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to expedite the long-delayed legal protection for more than 23,000 wetlands across Maharashtra. They warned that continued neglect accelerates biodiversity loss and heightens climate vulnerability.
Urgent Intervention Sought
Appealing to the Chief Minister for immediate action, B N Kumar, Director of the NatConnect Foundation, emphasized that wetlands are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. He stated, "Wetlands act as natural carbon sinks, absorb excess floodwaters, recharge groundwater, and mitigate the destructive impacts of climate change and recurring El Nino conditions. Maharashtra cannot afford to lose these ecological shock absorbers any longer."
Consequences of Delay
Kumar highlighted that the delay in granting legal protection has caused extensive damage in ecologically sensitive regions such as Uran and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This damage results from debris dumping, encroachments, and large-scale reclamation. "This process should never have dragged on for 16 years after the launch of the National Wetland Atlas. With the verification exercise now almost complete, the government must immediately notify these wetlands and secure them under law," the greens urged.
Background of the Appeal
The appeal comes after the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management completed documentation and ground verification of 23,404 out of 23,415 identified wetlands in Maharashtra. The remaining 11 wetlands are still under verification. Environmentalists argue that without legal protection, these vital ecosystems remain vulnerable to destruction, exacerbating climate risks and biodiversity loss.
