Navi Mumbai’s pristine TS Chanakya wetland, a favoured habitat for migratory flamingos, is at the centre of controversy after a drone was used dangerously close to the birds during filming for the Netflix movie Sikandar Ka Muqaddar. Responding to a complaint from environmentalists, the Maharashtra Forest Department is investigating the incident for potential legal violations, according to Divisional Forest Officer Deepak Khade.
The pink-feathered flamingos, a key part of Navi Mumbai’s ecological charm, appeared in a drone-shot sequence in the film between the timestamps 1:03:44 and 1:03:54. The NatConnect Foundation, led by director B.N. Kumar, flagged the footage as a potential threat to the birds’ safety and tranquillity. “While showcasing flamingos in movies is commendable, flying drones over resting birds is reckless and unacceptable,” Kumar stated. Environmentalists fear that the noise and proximity of drones could startle or injure the birds. Flamingos are listed as “near-threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), underscoring the urgency of safeguarding their habitats.
The State Mangrove Cell has acknowledged the complaint, with Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests S.V. Ramarao instructing the local forest officer to assess the situation. “We will issue a notice after verifying whether the filmmakers had obtained the requisite permissions for drone usage,” Khade said. Local conservationist Nandakumar Pawar of Sagar Shakti pointed out the larger issue of wildlife disturbance amidst urban development. “With increasing infrastructure projects, we’re already losing critical wildlife habitats. Drone usage for films must be strictly regulated to prevent further damage,” Pawar warned.
Efforts to protect flamingo habitats in Navi Mumbai have gained momentum in recent years. The Maharashtra government has even set up a high-level committee to devise conservation strategies for key locations like the DPS Flamingo Lake. Environmentalists, including Jyoti Nadkarni of the Kharghar Wetlands and Hills group, continue to campaign tirelessly for the protection of these unique birds. The NatConnect Foundation has urged authorities to issue strict guidelines on drone usage in sensitive ecological zones, advocating for accountability from filmmakers and better public awareness about biodiversity conservation. The Forest Department’s upcoming report will likely address these concerns, providing clarity on legal measures to prevent future disruptions to Navi Mumbai’s vibrant wildlife.
