MUMBAI, July 19 -- The state forest department has proposed declaring more than 1,835 hectares of ecologically sensitive land across 20 locations as conservation reserves in a move aimed at strengthening protection for Maharashtra's rich flora and fauna. However, several of the proposals have run into resistance over concerns ranging from infrastructure projects and tourism to real estate development. The proposed conservation reserves are spread across Gaganbawda, Ajara-Bhudargad, Taharabad, Velhe-Mulshi, Naneghat, Bhorgirigad, Dindori, Surgana, Kareghat, Chinchpada, Alibag, Ghera-Manikgad, Rajmachi, Lonavala, Gumtara, Jawhar, Dhamani, Asherigad, Ekara and DPS Lake in Navi Mumbai. While national parks and wildlife sanctuaries enjoy the highest level of legal protection, conservation reserves are government-owned protected areas that typically function as wildlife corridors or buffer zones connecting existing protected forests. Forest officials said bringing these areas under the conservation reserve category would significantly strengthen protection for wildlife habitats and biodiversity across the state. Despite the scientific backing, several proposals remain stuck. Kishor Rithe, director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and a member of the State Wildlife Board, said many of the proposed conservation reserves have been facing stiff opposition. "These proposals are being met with a lot of opposition. The best example is that of the DPS Lake in Navi Mumbai. I told the forest minister Ganesh Naik and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to make it a conservation reserve so that there is greater protection. They both agreed as we have to save the flamingos that come there. But there is no order yet," said Rithe. Forest department officials said the proposal to declare DPS Lake a conservation reserve has been held up due to objections from Cidco....