Navi Mumbai Fights Back: Eco-Accountability Demanded

Following civic elections, environmental advocates in Navi Mumbai have launched a campaign urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to place ecological accountability at the forefront of the 2026 agenda. Activists express urgency, citing persistent dust and air pollution that harm public health, and the continuous destruction of marine ecosystems. They highlight local victories, such as the 30-acre DPS Lake wetland's conservation, achieved through sustained public pressure when local systems faltered.

Recent environmental successes also include citizen-led advocacy leading to restoration efforts at Mumbai's Powai Lake and a National Green Tribunal ruling against an illegal promenade at Aksa Beach. The Bombay High Court's order to transfer mangrove lands to the forest department, following a petition, further reinforces the importance of protecting these vital coastal commons. These actions underscore the power of community mobilization against unchecked development.

Activists warn that pending wetland notifications threaten fragile ecosystems, including critical flamingo habitats. They emphasize that hill denudation and quarrying, as seen in Kharghar and Thane, pose significant risks. The newly elected representatives are now being called upon to be accountable for damage to wetlands, mangroves, hills, and lakes, underscoring that ecological survival is intrinsically linked to community well-being.