Navi Mumbai News: Residents, Activists Protest Against CIDCO's Negligence, Demand Protection Of Lotus Lake In Nerul

Navi Mumbai: For the third Sunday in a row, concerned citizens, environmental activists, and local residents of Sector 27, Nerul, gathered in large numbers to protest against CIDCO’s alleged negligence and the ongoing dumping of debris at Lotus Lake.

The protest began with participants assembling at Red Rose Junction and marching toward the affected site near Lotus Lake. The growing momentum behind the “Chalo Lotus Lake” campaign is a response to the systematic destruction of the ecologically sensitive lake, also referred to as "Darave Lake" in official wetland records.

Sunil Agarwal, a key organiser, welcomed new supporters and urged them to join the dedicated WhatsApp group and sign the ongoing online petition demanding immediate intervention and restoration of the lake.

Advocate Pradeep Patole briefed the gathering on the legal aspects of the issue, explaining the current status of petitions filed to protect Lotus Lake under environmental and wetland protection laws.

Nerul former corporator Shailaja Sutar proposed officially renaming the water body as “Darave Lotus Lake” to reflect its documented identity and reinforce its protected status under the state’s wetland list.

Several activists and subject experts including Dharmesh Barai, Anarjit Chauhan, Advocate Chandrakant Nikam, Santosh Karkera, and D.K. Jain actively participated, offering strategic inputs and voicing the need for greater citizen-led pressure.

The group collectively resolved to intensify the movement through multiple approaches. They plan to amplify awareness of the issue via social media and submit complaints through official government grievance platforms, including the Prime Minister’s portal and Maharashtra State channels.

Additionally, formal representations will be made to elected representatives and political leaders to seek immediate redressal. Participants also aim to build support at the community level by encouraging housing societies to issue official letters endorsing the conservation of Lotus Lake.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, a symbolic group photograph, and a flag-off for a team of cyclists who led a solidarity march, followed by residents walking in unison to reinforce their commitment to protecting the lake.

"With growing public participation and heightened awareness, the “Save Lotus Lake” campaign continues to gain traction, becoming one of Navi Mumbai’s most visible grassroots environmental movements. We will not stop till the lake is completely protected in all sense," Agarwal said.