Worrying trend: Analysing the declining flamingo population in Navi Mumbai

For nearly six to seven months every year, the wetlands at T.S. Chanakya turn into a sojourn for flamingos. The exodus that takes place from Rann of Kutch in Gujarat culminates at the feeding grounds of Mangrove swamps in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Owing to the rich biodiversity naturally available at T.S. Chanakya - it has emerged as a natural habitat for these pink pilgrims.

However, these habitats are threatened by the burgeoning real estate in the surrounding regions, claim bird photographers and green activists. "The illegitimate filling up of wetlands and burning of mangroves next to T.S. Chanakya is destroying their natural habitat," reveals Vidyasagar Hariharan, a city-based birder and banker by profession.

Hariharan has been documenting the juvenile greater flamingos, lesser flamingos and other waders in Mumbai's wetlands since 2016. Additionally, he has been sharing evidence of destruction with the green activist group - Save Navi Mumbai Wetlands spearheaded by the wetland champion Sunil Agarwal.

Image Courtesy: Vidyasagar Hariharan

Never-before-seen images capture Flamingo spectacle in Mumbai`s wetlands

10 months agoPHOTO GALLERY

T.S. Chanakya - on the verge of pink or brink?
According to the statistics shared by BNHS, the wetlands of Mumbai are home to approximately 1,20,000 Flamingos during the peak of the winter season. Amongst the popular wetlands of Mumbai, namely: Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, Talawe wetlands, Sewri Mangrove Park; the wetlands adjacent to T.S. Chanakya gained particular importance.

They serve as a roosting site for, predominantly, the Lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) which needs hyper-specific conditions that support its diet requirements and behaviour. Hariharan informs that the repetitive offenses of creating water blockages by miscreants have been noticed.

A joint inspection was conducted by the local green activists, tehsildar along with the mangrove microcell. Illegal activities have been identified like filling up of water bodies, chasing away flamingos at Seawoods and cutting of Mangrove trees, shares Pawan Sharma, wildlife rescuer from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW).

As per the IUCN Red List, the Lesser flamingos have been tagged as ‘Near Threatened' which highlights the importance of preserving these winter birds. However, mega urbanisation projects like The Navi Mumbai International Airport spearheaded by the Adani Group present a glaring challenge to the area's ecology.

"Water levels are being raised by filling up the lakes and small hillocks are being flattened with blasts to make way for the aspirational airport," shares Neeraj Chawal, a Kandivli-based bird photographer. Apart from eco-destruction, the blasts have also caused a menace of noise and air pollution, sparking dissent from local citizens.

Navi Mumbai is being promoted as a flamingo city and this theme is evident in various real estate advertisements. However, a notable discrepancy exists as they often use images of replicas portraying Caribbean flamingos which are not the species found in Navi Mumbai, informs Hariharan.

Interestingly, the Caribbean flamingo is from Africa. This situation sheds light on the appalling levels of complacency that exist in the pursuit of creating awareness about Indian breeds of flamingos.

Why are wetlands crucial for Flamingos?
In November, a multitude of lesser flamingos gather in large numbers along the creek at T.S. Chanakya. It is at the exposed mudflats during low tide where they indulge in feasting on microscopic blue-green algae and diatoms, informs Chawla.

As the tide ascends, the lesser flamingos take flight towards shallower waters to rest and patiently endure the high tide. In this scenario, the significance of inland water bodies comes to the forefront. For flamingoes in the vicinity of Karave, Vashi, Panvel Creek, Uran and the T.S. Chanakya wetland serves as a crucial area for relaxation and recreation.

Flamingo boat safari at Thane Creek. Image Courtesy: Vidyasagar Hariharan

In a synchronised manner, reminiscent of disciplined soldiers in a drill, the flamingos navigate in and out of the creek, aligning with the rhythmic changes in tide each day. Their presence transforms the waterbody into a mesmerising sea of pink which is a sight dear to Hariharan.

Additionally, a small proportion of greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) also make an appearance, representing a minor fraction of the overall flamingo population that migrates to Navi Mumbai. Yet, these appearances are on the brink of extinction owing to rampant destruction taking place in the name of development.

Hariharan informs that the water levels have already stagnated at the NRI wetlands in Navi Mumbai. "The creek gets fed by the nearby lake. However, the influx of water has stopped and the impact is unfolding in front of our eyes. At one point in time - I witnessed 25,000 flamingos over there as it's their favourite wetland. However - the numbers have declined now."

"Through silent actions, they are ensuring that flamingos stop coming to these wetlands," says Sunil Agarwal, the lawyer who is fighting a case to preserve wetlands. As a result, Flamingo City is undergoing a decline in flamingo population as compared to 1.33 lakh flamingos spotted in Thane Creek last year.
Sunil credits this onslaught of development to the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), the body that entirely planned and built Navi Mumbai starting in the early 1970s. The apathy doesn't stop here.

The environmental clearance obtained by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) puts a question to the assessment procedures conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change (MoEF & CC). Despite a mandate to protect the migratory destination of flamingos, NMIAL continues to violate the wetlands at NRI and T S Chanakya, harming the rich biodiverse home of several migratory birds.

What could have protected T.S. Chanakya?
The ideal scenario would have been the extension of the conservation of T.S. Chanakya under the Ramsar Convention. "Unfortunately, this hasn't been accomplished. This creates a potential loophole that could be exploited for various activities or malpractices. To put it differently, there may be uncertainties or issues that arise in the absence of this designation," informs Agarwal.

A social bird, can Flamingos adjust to rising urbanisation?

Flamingo feeding on crustaceans. Image Courtesy: Vidyasagar Hariharan

Hariharan informs that there is a new spot where Flamingos have been sighted. "Approximately 20 to 22 individuals have informed me that they have spotted Greater Flamingos in Lokhandwala and Malad Creek."

At the Mughra nala situated on the backroad of Lokhandwala, flamingos have already started arriving. Malad Creek, situated nearby, witnesses the influx of around 5,000 to 10,000 flamingos during the peak season, adding another fascinating dimension to the experience.

"Despite the prevalent issue of garbage strewn around Mindspace in Malad, I have observed numerous flamingos scattered around, creating a peculiar yet somewhat disheartening scene. Although the presence of garbage is a concerning aspect, these flamingos manage to sustain themselves without relying on fish but rather on crustaceans, multivitro organisms and the like," remarks Hariharan.

Malad has the potential to become a significant habitat for flamingos if the area, particularly the Malad, is properly maintained. This could contribute to the thriving population of flamingos in the near future, he adds.