There's hope for the next generation to continue spotting migratory birds, especially flamingos, as the State Wildlife Board has approved creation of three bird sanctuaries around Mumbai. The sanctuaries will be at Mahul-Sewri, TSC-NRI wetlands off Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai and Panje-Funde near Uran.
The chief minister-headed wildlife board gave clearance for these three sanctuaries on Friday. "This is an important decision for the long-term conservation of migratory birds, such as flamingos," read a post-meeting statement.
Every year between October and March, flamingos arrive at the Sewri-Mahul mudflats on Mumbai. This may, however, get affected in the coming years during the course of construction of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link between Sewri-Chirle village (Nhava). This 22-km link will be made on the Sewri-Mahul mudflats, and concerns have been raised that vibrations and noise coming from the activity will discourage birds from coming.
The demand for a flamingo sanctuary at Sewri-Mahul mudflats has been making rounds for years now. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), too, has been demanding to declare the area as a sanctuary for conservation measures.
Annually around 40,000 lesser and greater flamingos, apart from half a million waders, arrive to the city. Already, the mudflats have been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and BNHS. It has also been proposed to declare it as Ramsar Site, but a decision on the same is yet to be taken.
During the migratory season, thousands of bird enthusiasts visit to get a glimpse of the pink feathers. Lesser and Greater flamingos migrate from Serbia, entering India at Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and later landing at the mudflats in Mumbai. They forage for food during this period and the mucky location is conducive to them, thanks to the surrounding mangroves.
