The Bombay High Court on Thursday emphasized the need to constitute a dedicated committee to oversee and monitor conservation efforts in the ecologically sensitive Thane Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, a vital habitat for flamingos and one of Maharashtra’s three Ramsar-recognised wetlands of international importance.
The division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Makarand Karnik made the observation during the hearing of a suo motu proceeding aimed at monitoring the conservation of the state’s Ramsar sites—Thane Creek, Nandur Madhyameshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Lonar Lake. The proceeding follows directions issued by the Supreme Court in December 2024 for monitoring the country’s 85 Ramsar sites.
Senior advocate Janak Dwarkadas, appointed as amicus curiae, stressed the urgent need for targeted conservation interventions to ensure the long-term ecological health of Thane Creek. “By implementing these targeted actions, Thane Creek’s ecological integrity can be safeguarded while ensuring sustainable coexistence with industrial and urban development,” he told the court.
Dwarkadas proposed a series of key recommendations for inclusion in the conservation roadmap:
- Expansion of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ): Immediate inclusion of all mangrove patches and wetland areas around Thane Creek in the ESZ to preserve critical roosting and feeding sites for migratory birds.
- Ban on Aquaculture Ponds: Prohibition of artificial pisciculture ponds to prevent habitat destruction and maintain ecological balance.
- Regulation of Artificial Lighting: Controlled use of lighting infrastructure to avoid disturbing nocturnal biodiversity.
- Ban on Drones and Low-Flying Aircraft: Strict prohibition on drone operations and low-altitude helicopter services by private entities to prevent disturbance to migratory birds.
- Stray Dog Control: Implementation of sterilization drives and daily garbage clearance to curb the stray dog menace and prevent attacks on flamingos and other avian species.
- Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining: Urgent and firm measures to curb illicit sand mining threatening the fragile creek ecosystem.
Supporting the conservation initiative, advocate Manish Kelkar, representing the Maharashtra State Wetland Authority, informed the court that the state has among the highest number of wetlands in the country. “We have completed mapping of the wetlands to a considerable extent. However, wetland management and conservation does not end here. We are determined to protect Maharashtra’s wetlands,” he asserted.
The court took note of the recommendations and indicated that the formation of a dedicated committee could help in implementing and overseeing these measures effectively.
