While Lokhandwala Lake—a birder’s paradise with over 100 species, including migratory birds—still awaits wetland status, as demanded by wildlife and nature lovers, an aggressive aquatic plant, Ipomoea, is spreading rapidly, threatening its fragile ecosystem. This invasive species can cover large waterlogged areas, impacting birdlife and aquatic diversity. Conservationists stress that a protected status would enable controlled vegetation removal, ensuring open water availability.

On February 2, World Wetland Day was observed globally, highlighting the urgent need to protect wetlands. Environmentalists and residents of western suburbs, including members of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA), have been demanding that Lokhandwala Lake be officially recognised as a wetland to secure its protection.