Navi Mumbai Activists Launch Post-Election Environmental Campaign
Green groups in Navi Mumbai have launched a fresh campaign against environmental degradation. This initiative follows the conclusion of recent civic elections. Activists petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly. They urged him to place ecological accountability at the very top of the 2026 agenda.
Immediate Action Required on Pollution and Destruction
Activists stated the environment could not wait any longer. They issued a stark warning. Dust and air pollution continue to punish public health across the entire region. This is compounded by rampant destruction of marine green cover.
The campaign was initiated by the NatConnect Foundation. It combines an online drive with a fresh petition to the Prime Minister. Activists explained that communities have fought for years to protect wetlands, mangroves, hills, and lakes. However, most elected representatives rarely intervened to help.
This lack of intervention allowed destructive activities to proceed unchecked. Quarrying, wetland filling, and mangrove destruction by debris mafias continued. Erring road contractors and hill denudation also went on without proper checks.
Citizen-Led Victories Show the Power of Public Pressure
Activists noted that citizen-led victories underscore a crucial point. Sustained public pressure is essential for environmental protection. Their message to newly elected representatives for 2026 remains unequivocal. Ecological accountability is now completely non-negotiable.
Last year saw significant successes in Navi Mumbai. The 30-acre DPS Lake wetland in Nerul was declared a conservation reserve. This happened after sustained documentation and strong public advocacy.
"People stood up not for themselves, but for generations ahead," said B N Kumar, director of the NatConnect Foundation. "This is why we push issues all the way to Delhi when local systems fail us."
Legal Wins and Community Action Across the Region
In Mumbai, the civic body began sewage interception, de-silting, and ecological restoration at Powai Lake. This action came after thousands of citizen complaints and an online petition.
Along the western coast, the National Green Tribunal ruled against an illegal promenade. The Maharashtra Maritime Board had built it at Aksa Beach. The ruling reinforced that coastal commons could not be enclosed at will.
Though the board appealed to the Supreme Court, activists said the ruling set an important legal precedent. Separately, the Bombay High Court ordered all public agencies to transfer mangrove lands to the forest department. This followed a petition by the group Vanashakti.
"Fishing and mangrove rights go hand in hand," said Nandakumar Pawar of Sagar Shakti. "If mangroves vanish, the community starves. Our fight is for ecology and survival together."
Ongoing Threats to Fragile Ecosystems
Activists warned about a persistent danger. The pending notification of wetlands continues to endanger fragile ecosystems. This particularly threatens flamingo habitats in Navi Mumbai and Thane.
"If we lose the wetlands, we lose the flamingos," said environmentalist Sandeep Sareen. "Their presence tells us the ecosystem is still alive."
Recent times have also seen worsening hill denudation. This is evident across Kharghar, Powai, and Thane. Mining scars and dust pollution prompted the National Green Tribunal to take suo motu cognisance. They are looking into quarrying behind the upcoming Tata Cancer Hospital. Media reports highlighted risks to residents, patients, and doctors.
Grassroots Movements Protecting Natural Heritage
One of last year's grassroots movements emerged around the Pandavkada Waterfall and its surrounding hills.
"These hills are our lungs, our identity, and our natural shield," said Jyoti Nadkarni of the Kharghar Hill and Wetlands Forum.
Community mobilisation also achieved another victory. It halted the cutting of mature trees in Vashi.
"Every mature tree is a climate protector," said Madhu Shankar of the Human Chain Online Forum. "Cutting one in a heating city is like switching off a life-support system."
Activists delivered a clear final demand. They said newly elected representatives must now be made answerable. They should be held responsible for any damage to wetlands, mangroves, hills, lakes, and coastal commons.
