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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Panje wetland moves closer to legal protection

Navi Mumbai: The 289-hectare Panje-Dongari wetland in Uran, regarded by environmentalists as Maharashtra’s largest intertidal wetland, has moved a significant step closer to securing legal protection after the Raigad district administration completed a long-awaited ground verification process, environmental groups said. The development is being seen as a major milestone in the years-long campaign by conservationists to protect the ecologically sensitive wetland from reclamation and...

Panje wetland moves closer to legal protection

Navi Mumbai: The 289-hectare Panje-Dongari wetland in Uran, regarded by environmentalists as Maharashtra’s largest intertidal wetland, has moved a significant step closer to securing legal protection after the Raigad district administration completed a long-awaited ground verification process, environmental groups said. The development is being seen as a major milestone in the years-long campaign by conservationists to protect the ecologically sensitive wetland from reclamation and infrastructure-related pressures. The verification is part of the process required before wetlands can be formally notified under the Environment (Protection) Act. According to the NatConnect Foundation, the verification follows documentation by the Chennai-based National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), which has completed the ground-truthing of nearly all the 23,000 wetlands identified across Maharashtra under the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA), prepared using 2006-07 satellite imagery. Environmentalists have repeatedly criticised the delay in completing the verification and notification process in the state. Rising Hopes A senior official of the State Wetland Authority, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the Raigad Collector has cleared 11 of the 19 wetlands documented by NCSCM in the district, including the Panje wetland. The wetlands at Belpada and Bhendkhal have also reportedly progressed towards notification, raising hopes for their long-term conservation. The list approved by the Collector also includes wetlands in Panvel taluka at Kharghar, Taloja, Kharghar Sector 25, Kalamboli, Sinkar and Morave. However, government officials said wetlands at Sheva, Jaskhar, Murud Creek and the Mangrove Wetland Complex do not feature in the Collector’s current documents, leaving questions over their status. The Panje wetland has been at the centre of a prolonged legal and environmental battle. The Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) founder and noted environmentalist Debi Goenka had earlier demonstrated, using the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment maps, that Panje qualified as a wetland despite claims to the contrary. “BEAG founder and noted environmentalist Debi Goenka was among the first to demonstrate, using the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA) maps, that Panje qualified as a wetland despite claims to the contrary. His painstaking interpretation of the colour-coded satellite atlas greatly strengthened our case for Panje’s conservation,” said B N Kumar, Director, NatConnect Foundation. Happy Activists Welcoming the latest development, Nandakumar Pawar, Director of Sagar Shakti, who has led a prolonged legal battle to protect the wetland, said, “The 289-hectare Panje wetland is the largest intertidal wetland in the state. Its conservation is critical for protecting Uran’s fragile ecology.” Kumar described the verification as a vindication of sustained public efforts. “Panje has shown that persistence pays,” he said, while Pawar added that the focus must now shift towards securing legal protection for all of Maharashtra’s 23,000 mapped wetlands before they are lost to encroachment and development. Pawar warned that the destruction and reclamation of several wetlands in Uran, including the four-kilometre Jasai stretch, have already aggravated flooding in surrounding villages. He said extensive landfilling for the Dronagiri Node and other infrastructure projects has further worsened the ecological situation. The Collector’s report assumes significance amid continued opposition from CIDCO, which has maintained that several of these areas are former salt pans or agricultural land and are therefore suitable for development. Environmental groups, however, argue that irrespective of their historical land use, these ecosystems now perform critical ecological functions and deserve statutory protection. According to Kumar, although Panje—currently leased to NMSEZ, now NMIIA—has remained free from construction activity, the regular obstruction of tidal water flow causes the wetland to dry up periodically, threatening its ecological health. Environmental organisations including Vanashakti, Sagar Shakti, NatConnect Foundation, Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society, Save Navi Mumbai Environment and Kharghar Wetlands & Hills Forum have been pursuing legal and administrative interventions to secure protection for the wetlands. Highlighting their ecological importance, Pawar said wetlands not only support rich biodiversity but also serve as natural flood buffers, store significant amounts of carbon and sustain the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities. He stressed that notifying these wetlands is essential for strengthening the climate resilience of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Dubai: A Magical Land

Travel is not just about places—it is about the people and memories we create.

My love for travel began in childhood on long road trips in our old Ambassador car or Matador van. Those month-long journeys sowed the seeds of my passion. That passion led me to study tourism management and build a career exploring the world with families, students, senior citizens, and corporate groups. My most recent trip, however, was different—this time with school friends. We chose Dubai, and it was all fun, laughter, and nostalgia. It reminded me that travel is not only about places but also about the people and memories we create.


When I travel, I feel like a different person—confident, energised, and content. Whenever something troubles me, I reflect on my thoughts and often find the answer lies in escaping to a calm, serene place.


As first-time travellers, the ladies were thrilled and felt more comfortable with me accompanying them. Sameer designed a wonderful itinerary and arranged a hotel near the Meena Bazaar area, taking care of all bookings, visas, and tickets.


On our first day, everyone was eager to explore Dubai. For many, it was their very first international trip. I understood their excitement, having visited the city several times before in different seasons and with various groups.


That day, a light shower left the weather pleasantly cool. We began with the Museum of the Future, a stunning landmark in the heart of Dubai. One section moved us deeply, showcasing plants, animals, and a futuristic world that highlighted the need to care for Mother Earth.


In the evening, we dressed up for a dinner cruise at Marina Bay and were lucky to witness a rare drone show. Hundreds of drones formed dazzling shapes, shifting colours every second. The spectacle was breathtaking, and the joy of sharing it together was unforgettable.


The Women Who Inspired Me!

Traveling with these ladies was a beautiful experience, each carrying her own inspiring story.


Anju, a bank employee, had saved every rupee to enjoy this trip independently. Sharmila, a tutor, had found joy again after losing her husband. Mahi, from a small town, finally realised her dream of travelling with school friends in her fifties. Sayli patiently turned each of her dreams into reality, and Ragini, despite losing her father, remained positive and financially independent. Hearing their stories, I realised how courage and grace carry women through life’s trials. We promised this would be the first of many yearly journeys together.


We explored Dubai’s lively markets and the old fort in a van before a short city tour, visiting luxury hotels and the beach. Viewing Dubai from the 125th floor of Burj Khalifa was thrilling; the city stretched below us like a sparkling canvas.


The desert safari was the highlight. Riding a Land Cruiser over golden dunes, we screamed, laughed, and savoured every wild moment. At sunset, we climbed a dune, watched the glowing horizon, and silently gave thanks for life and friendship—a moment of pure magic.


The next day began with a delicious breakfast before visiting the Miracle Garden, a paradise of countless flowers forming intricate sculptures of planes, villas, bridges, and fountains. Later, at Global Village, we explored pavilions from around the world and enjoyed Thai sticky rice with mango—a simple joy I treasure despite having visited Thailand 22 times. We walked for hours, enjoying every cultural display, before retiring, exhausted but happy.


Another day was dedicated to spirituality. We visited the newly built Swaminarayan Temple in Abu Dhabi, a masterpiece inaugurated by our Honourable Prime Minister. The carvings, sculptures, and pillars were exquisite, each telling a story from Indian tradition. Few visitors are aware of a second level beneath the main temple, equally divine and serene. We were blessed with ‘prasad' before continuing our journey. Next, we visited the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whose white pillars, blue domes, vast prayer halls, and sparkling chandeliers left us spellbound. By evening, we returned to Dubai, hearts full of peace.


On our last day, it was difficult to say goodbye. We spent the morning shopping for fresh dates, dried fruits, and souvenirs. A special moment for us was when we visited the Burj Khalifa on Makar Sankranti – a day when, in Maharashtra, we share sweets and say, 'Take this sweet and speak sweetly.' Celebrating this tradition at the world’s tallest building felt surreal. At the airport, we carried gifts in our bags and memories in our hearts, promising that this was only the beginning of many adventures.


This tour reminded me that travel is more than sightseeing. It brings confidence, freedom, and wisdom; it teaches us to appreciate diversity, bond deeply, and celebrate life. I encourage every woman—and every person—to step out, explore, and let travel transform you. Little dreams can become extraordinary experiences.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. Views personal.)

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