In an unfortunate and concerning incident, 36 flamingoes were killed in Mumbai after an Emirates flight rammed into them. On Monday night, the migratory birds were flying over the Laxmi Bagar area of Pantnagar in the Ghatkopar area. EK 508, an Emirates flight on its arrival at 9:18 pm hit the birds while landing at Mumbai airport. The flight faced damage. Read on to know more.
Emirates Flight Collides With Flock Of Flamingoes Flying Over Thane Creek
As per a report by Hindustan Times, SY Rama Rao, additional chief conservator of forests (Mangrove protection cell) stated to the publication that the bodies of 36 flamingos were found in the area. A search is being conducted to find out if more flamingoes were killed or injured. Rao stated that the birds were hit by a flight.
On conducting searches on Monday night, 29 bodies of flamingoes were found. The next morning, four to five more carcasses were retrieved. The wetlands along Navi Mumbai and Mumbai coast invite flamingos around December. The migratory birds reside in this habitat till March and May. Deepak Khade, Mangrove protection cell’s deputy conservator stated to HT that airport authorities confirmed to them about the bird strike. This unfortunate incident happened near Laxmi Nagar, the northern end of Ghatkopar East.
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Environmentalist Speculates Over Reasons Behind This Unfortunate Accident
Environmentalist D Stalin stated his theory for the reason for the unfortunate incident. According to Stalin, the new power lines running through the sanctuary area may have caused disorientation to the birds. He further adds that they shouldn’t have been permitted in the first place. Earlier, these power lines weren’t allowed inside the sanctuaries but the wildlife board meekly conceded to the demands of the power company.
Moreover, Stalin adds to the Hindustan Times that since last month, efforts were made to disturb the birds nestled at TS Chanakya lakes and the wetlands in the NRI complex area. Builders want to get rid of the water bodies to construct buildings. He speculates that someone or some people may have chased the flamingos at night. And the flock tried to fly towards Thane Creek, but in the process, they crashed into the Emirates flight.
We hope the reasons for this accident are found and processes are put into place to avoid such mishaps in the future.
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