The Kharghar wetlands and hills group consists of diverse citizens coming together to conserve the biodiversity-rich Kharghar node in Navi Mumbai. Its founding members, Nareshchandra Singh and Jyoti Nadkarni , tell Times Evoke Inspire about how the group grew, how it kept going despite challenges — and how otters, insects and birds fortify its spirits:
Imagine living amongst verdant hills, wetlands and mangroves — and all the wildlife they shelter — within one of the world’s most hectic mega-cities. Yet, that is the magic of Kharghar node, home to our community and multiple species we share these hills, green mangroves and lush grasslands with. Kharghar is part of Navi Mumbai and its natural beauty simply amazes visitors expecting a concrete jungle.
Indeed, we too were stunned by Kharghar when we first moved in. In 2010, Nareshchandra moved here as an infotech consultant while Jyoti returned from Africa to resettle in India in 2016. Our families were delighted by Kharghar’s beauty and the dozens of birds, animals, insects and plants we saw all around us. But slowly, we also began to see more.
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MEET THE NEIGHBOURS: Kharghar’s lakes, ponds and wetlands house freshwater species like the smooth-coated otter. Photos Courtesy: Tarang Sarin, N. Singh, J. Nadkarn
Kharghar’s lakes were in danger of being encroached on and built over by brick kilns, shrimp farmers and slum extensions. Human impacts were damaging its lush forested hills, with man-made fires lit in dry grasses killing frog, mongoose and snake species. Air pollution from chemical units and brick kilns was damaging the environment. We understood that simply admiring Kharghar wasn’t enough — if we loved this magical space, we had to work to save it.
Initially, we formed a small conservationists’ group, consisting of just four people. We came from diverse backgrounds but the common thread binding us was love for the environment we now shared and concern over how to protect it from irreparable losses. Our first step was to move court to protect a small waterbody. The case didn’t go in our favour. But our unity helped us deal with the disappointment and come up with new strategies.
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A PLACE TO ALIGHT: From the vibrant blue kingfisher to the orange-headed thrush, Kharghar node is home to multiple bird species.
We realised it was hard for a few citizens to take on complex legal fights. We also realised it was important to involve as many nature enthusiasts as possible. Thus, through word of mouth and social media, we encouraged people to join us. Slowly, we grew into an abundant group, with IIT researchers, photographers, animal activists, retired officials, birders, writers, corporate professionals, homemakers and lawyers. Each of these people cared deeply about nature and volunteered to contribute in their own way, well beyond the daily work they performed. Suddenly, Kharghar had a conservation movement growing naturally amidst its beautiful setting.
Over the years, we’ve actively interacted with officials of the forest department, the municipal corporation, the Raigad collectorate and the Bombay High Court-appointed mangroves and wetlands protection panels to ensure that local spots rich with biodiversity receive protection and care.
We managed to get three Kharghar wetlands, included in the National Wetlands Atlas, also listed in the Collector’s protected list. Our members have collated over 200 bird species while meticulously documenting Kharghar’s flora and fauna. We carry out regular checks to preempt encroachment and illegal quarrying, people lighting fires on the hills or dumping debris in the water-bodies. We also organise events around Kharghar’s natural treasures and collaborate with similar citizens’ groups.
Recently, we experienced a very special happiness when birders spotted two smooth-coated otters cavorting playfully in a local waterbody. The otters’ presence was heartening as it showed that Kharghar’s biodiversity is still healthy and our efforts to protect it must continue. Our members have also documented seven IUCN vulnerable category birds, from the black-tailed godwit to the woolly necked stork, Eurasian curlews, greater spotted eagles, the black-headed ibis, Indian spotted eagles and painted storks. These wonderful avian species live alongside exciting neighbours like the golden jackal, the Indian flying fox and the elegant black-naped hare.
SUCH GLAMOROUS RESIDENTS: Kharghar’s marshes attract beautiful painted storks
Spotting these across Kharghar, our group experiences both the joy humans feel when they see these wondrous beings as well as the fear that comes from knowing that poachers and encroachers could mean their end. Over the years, we’ve also seen climate change and population pressure damaging Kharghar’s ecology. By planting trees and conserving waterbodies, we hope to make an enduring contribution to saving a part of glorious Earth which has been such a welcoming home.
Today, the Kharghar conservationists’ group consists of nearly 500 people. For many of us, the area’s biodiversity came as a life-changing revelation. It saved us from becoming so enmeshed in our urban lives that we forget the environment we are meant to cherish as living beings. We are grateful we started this group to protect Kharghar’s nature. It allowed us to tap the best of human nature — collaboration, courage and determination — which shines when we care for other species.
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