Navi Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the Urban Development Department (UDD) to investigate complaints by environmental groups regarding damage due to dumping of debris at Navi Mumbai wetland, Lotus Lake. The construction debris from the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport project was dumped at the 7.2-acre Lotus Lake, which is protected by a high court order. Cidco had given the permission for the filling. Environmental activists Sunil Agarwal and B N Kumar alerted the CM after observing unauthorised dumping at the wetland, requesting his intervention. The HC had previously ordered removal of debris and encroachments from the lake in two separate cases. Advocate Pradeep Patole, who filed the original petitions, committed to pursuing the matter further.Patole told TOI that the dumping of lake with airport site debris is unacceptable. He questioned the Raigad district collector’s move to allow Cidco’s contractor to transport debris from Ulwe to the Lotus lake wetland in Thane district. He wrote to the Raigad collector requesting a revision of the order.“NMMC and Cidco’s responsibility is to protect the lake,” emphasised Patole as he approached civic authorities and police. NatConnect Foundation highlighted that Raigad district collector’s royalty waiver for debris transportation to Thane district exceeds jurisdiction. Raigad collector Kishan Jawale remained unavailable for comment. When contacted, sub-divisional officer Pawan Chandok said NOC for shifting the debris and soil from the airport area to the Nerul site was issued to Cidco as it’s the planning authority of both areas.