Extract from Final report submitted by BNHS Baseline survey of birds at the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) site in March 2017 to CIDCO
Specific Issues of concern
1. Proposed Golf Course
A golf course has been proposed by CIDCO in about 80 ha land at Sector 60 which essentially consists of wetlands behind NRI and TSC (see Figure 51). It is our considered opinion that this is a wetland having all the essential wetland characteristics. This is an extraordinary
wetland that is used by a large number of migratory and resident water birds. On average, around 40,000 to 50,000 birds including 10,000–15,000 Near Threatened Lesser Flamingos can be observed roosting at this site at high tides during winter season.
We have recommended this site to be declared as protected area in the studies carried out for proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL). Conversion of this land to a different purpose (in this case, a golf course) will seriously jeopardise the air safety of the proposed airport as birds may start using the NMIA
and its influence zone for roosting purposes in the absence of the above mentioned wetland.

2. Proposed Mangrove Park near airport
Around 245 ha areas have been identified by CIDCO to be developed as a mangrove park around the proposed airport site near Vaghivali village (Figure 52). Mangroves interspersed with mudflats can attract tree roosting birds and high tide roosting birds respectively which could pose hazard to air safety at the proposed airport. Thousands of birds foraging and
roosting near runway can increase chances of birds coming in the path of landing and take-off of the flights, in future.
Therefore, we suggest declaring Mangrove Park away from the airport influence zone, as it would help to address the bird hazard issue, as mentioned under mitigative measures (see Figures 46, 47, 48 and 49). The ideal site for the same would be Panje Funde region. At the current proposed mangrove park location, a mangrove genebank could be developed, that
will prevent encroachments and garbage and other waste dumping.
Additional cautions
1. The extent and spread of construction work should be strictly regulated and
minimised at high bird congregatory sites, especially in winter, to avoid disturbance
to birds which may pose a major threat to airport operations
2. No land–filling activities should be permitted, especially at important high tide roosting sites of birds and these sites should be declared as no development zones (NDZ) and notified accordingly.
#keepWetlands #BNHS #cidco #panjeWetlands #cmoMaharashtra #actnow

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