A puzzling and distressing situation has unfolded near the wetlands of Seawoods, where bird enthusiasts and environmental activists are calling for a comprehensive investigation following the discovery of a series of flamingo casualties.
Out of the twelve injured flamingos found in the vicinity, five have tragically perished, while the remaining seven are currently receiving medical attention. Concerned citizens stumbled upon the motionless flamingos in the wetlands during their morning walks and promptly reached out to the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA), a reputable NGO based in Thane, for assistance. The sudden and mysterious deaths have sparked alarm among wildlife advocates, prompting calls for immediate action to uncover the root cause of the tragedy. This incident comes on the heels of a recent fatality involving a flamingo that strayed onto Palm Beach Road and met with a fatal collision with a speeding vehicle. Once again, the lack of water in the nearby Delhi Public School Lake has been cited as a contributing factor, forcing the birds to venture into urban areas in search of suitable habitat. Additionally, scientists studying flamingos have highlighted the adverse effects of harsh lighting from high-rise buildings, which may disorient the birds and lead them astray.
One of the possible reasons, according to activists, could be the lack of water in the wetlands, which might be prompting the birds to venture out. “I have alerted all the authorities about the damage being caused and have sought for necessary action, which includes ensuring there is tidal water flow into the wetlands. The authorities have assured they’ll do a site inspection and take corrective measures,” said BN Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, a non-profit in the environmental protection sector.
In a separate incident earlier this year, three flamingos lost their lives after colliding with a large signboard obstructing their flight path near Nerul jetty. The removal of the signboard by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra underscored the ongoing challenges faced by these majestic birds as they navigate through human-altered landscapes.
As concerns mount over the welfare of flamingos near Seawoods, there is a growing consensus among stakeholders for a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the underlying causes of these tragic events. Collaborative efforts between authorities, environmental organisations, and the community are essential to mitigate potential threats and ensure the protection of these iconic avian species and their natural habitat.
