Investigate, take required action: NGT to state on flamingo deaths

Seven flamingos found dead near DPS Lake in April; NGT concerned about non-compliance with environmental norms; respondents to file replies by July 16, one week before hearing

- PRANALI LOTLIKAR

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), acting on an alarming news report published in April about the deaths of seven flamingos near DPS Lake in Navi Mumbai, has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue.

The NGT has instructed the state to thoroughly investigate and take necessary actions. The tribunal expressed concern over potential noncompliance with environmental norms.

Given the sensitivity of the case and its implications for wetland protection, the tribunal has named four authorities as respondents and directed them to file their replies.

The respondents are the principal chief conservator of forests, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the Maharashtra Wetland Authority, and the collector and district magistrate of Thane. The NGT will conduct an inquiry into the deaths of the seven flamingos with regard to these respondents.