The recent spate of flamingo deaths near DPS Lake in Nerul has raised questions about the impact of bright street lights on the migratory birds’ navigation and survival.
Environmentalists and wildlife experts are pointing to the intense illumination around the water body as a potential cause of the fatalities, suggesting that the lights may have disoriented the birds and led to fatal collisions. Initial studies indicate that the young flamingos, flying into or out of DPS Lake, could have been blinded by the bright street lights, impairing their ability to navigate safely. Additionally, the lake’s near-dry condition, resulting from the blocking of tidal water inlets, may have further exacerbated the situation by limiting the birds’ access to food and habitat. The tragic toll on the flamingo population has been significant, with the death toll rising to 10 within a week, as two more birds succumbed to their injuries at a clinic in Thane. Forest department officials are currently treating five injured birds, highlighting the urgency of addressing the underlying factors contributing to the mortality rate among these iconic migratory species. A joint team comprising officials from the Mangrove Cell, BNHS, and NMMC, along with environmental activists, conducted an inspection of DPS Flamingo Lake to assess the situation. Concerns were raised about the obstruction of water flow due to choked points, which could further impact the ecosystem and the welfare of the flamingos.
Notably, environmental organisations such as Vanashakti and NatConnect Foundation have been vocal about the issue, emphasising the need to address light pollution and habitat degradation in Nerul. The replacement of street lights and the presence of large signboards along the jetty road have been identified as potential hazards for the flamingos, further underscoring the importance of mitigating human-induced threats to wildlife conservation efforts. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the flamingo deaths, stakeholders are urged to collaborate on implementing measures to mitigate light pollution, restore natural habitats, and safeguard the well-being of migratory bird populations in Nerul and beyond. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and environmental conservation, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to protect biodiversity and preserve ecosystems for future generations.
