Wednesday’s Supreme Court directive has given new hope to the ecologically important NRI, DPS and TS Chanakya wetlands in Navi Mumbai to protect over 2.31 lakh wetlands across the country. These wetlands mapped by ISRO in 2021 will now come under the protective ambit of the court ruling.
On Wednesday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah directed state wetland authorities to demarcate and certify all wetlands larger than 2.25 hectares within three months. The decision came in response to an intervention petition filed by wetland conservation campaigners Vanashakti and Anand Arya.
Vanashakti Coordinator Stalin D said that although the decision is a positive step, challenges remain in implementation. “The judgment is welcome but on a practical level, I believe government officials may find loopholes in its implementation. However, the good part is that the two lakh wetlands identified in the first phase will now be protected under this order, marking a positive start,” He said.
The decision is an important development for Navi Mumbai, where NRI, DPS and TS Chanakya wetlands have faced threats from encroachment and urbanisation. Environmentalists have long argued for the protection of these water bodies, which are vital for biodiversity, flood control and climate regulation in the region.
Under the court’s direction, state authorities are required to complete the land survey of wetlands and ensure their protection under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. The Directive includes wetlands previously left unprotected in the absence of formal recognition.
Sunil Aggarwal, coordinator of Wetlands Champion, said, “Despite the Supreme Court’s 2017 order, states have failed to do ground truth and demarcation to protect wetlands, with only Punjab and Assam making some progress. The latest order strengthens our case, as the NRI and TS Chanakya wetlands are among those protected under the court’s directive. “
The SC highlighted the critical role that wetlands play in supporting the local ecosystem and asked the state authorities to act urgently. Residents of Navi Mumbai and environmentalists hope that the verdict will protect the city’s wetlands from further erosion and ensure their preservation for future generations.