Navi Mumbai: State forest minister Ganesh Naik strongly criticised certain Cidco officials, labelling them as “corrupt and worthless” for their disregard for environmental matters. While addressing environmental activists who met him recently, Naik acknowledged Cidco’s persistent neglect of crucial wetlands, including the DPS Flamingo Lake in Nerul, which dried up due to blocking of tidal water entry points.
It may be recalled that as many as 17 flamingos died last year in the vicinity of the water body. Naik firmly stated his commitment to wetland and mangrove protection as forest minister, issuing directives to forest department officials present at the meeting. A delegation, including author Jayant Hudar and NatConnect Foundation Director B N Kumar submitted their concerns over the DPS Flamingo Lake’s deterioration due to blocked intertidal water flow. — B B Nayak