A significant controversy has arisen in Navi Mumbai and Thane following the Thane District Wetland Monitoring Committee's recommendation to revoke wetland status for eight water bodies, including critical flamingo habitats such as TS Chanakya lake and NRI wetland (Flamingo Point). The committee argues that these sites do not qualify as wetlands under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, citing their artificial nature and historical ties to urban development. In contrast, the state forest and mangrove departments, led by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, have formally opposed these findings, asserting that the ecological value of these water bodies has been overlooked. Naik has raised concerns about the potential for these sites to be developed without adequate environmental protections, questioning the committee's reliance on urban planning arguments from CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation). Environmentalists warn that stripping wetland status could expose these habitats to reclamation and development, jeopardizing the thousands of flamingos that return annually. As the issue remains politically charged, with implications for urban development and environmental conservation, the Thane district collector has stated that further expert consultations will be conducted before a final decision is made.