Incidents of using fireworks to disturb birds continue in Navi Mumbai and its adjoining areas, with a latest video showing how some people are deliberately doing so at the Panje wetlands in Uran. Navi Mumbai-based nature lovers have taken serious note about the same and written a letter to the chief minister demanding strict action against those responsible. An NGO has alleged that the birds are being scared away by CIDCO-NMSEZ which wants to turn the area into another concrete jungle.

According to wildlife lovers and experts, the Panje wetlands, which is spread across 300 hectares, is an important area, as an estimated 1.5 lakh migratory and local birds are spotted here every year. Locals who have been visiting the area for birding have been alleging that some anti-social elements with vested interests had even blocked tidal water flow to the wetlands in the past so that birds don’t come to the area.