The season of flamingos is here, but this year, the much-awaited arrival in Navi Mumbai has brought an alarming ecological warning with it. The migratory birds skipped several wetlands in Nerul. Do you want to know the reason? Read on to know more about it.
Flamingos Skips Navi Mumbai Lakes
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, early morning birders witnessed flamingo flocks flying over DPS, NRI and T S Chanakya lakes on Thursday. The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary connects to the satellite wetlands, but they do not land there. Environmentalists noted that this behaviour signalled a clear decline in habitat quality. An official from the Save Mangroves and Flamingos Forum, Rekha Sankhala, stated that there were only a few flamingos spotted at a distance. She also said that the residents saw flocks flying, but they simply bypassed DPS Lake. This is an indicator of ecological health; if flamingos are avoiding an area, something is seriously wrong.
What’s The Real Reason Behind It?
The recent water quality tests conducted by the NatConnect Foundation found severe ecological stress. The analysis shows a hike in pollution levels, effectively wiping out the microorganisms flamingos depend on for food. As per the portal, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were found to be nearly five times above safe limits, with the pH levels exceeding 9, indicating highly alkaline water. More than that, the oxygen levels have also collapsed, creating a suffocated ecosystem.
NatConnect director B.N. Kumar told the Hindustan Times that the wetland is no longer functioning as a living system, and water movement has been disrupted. He also further said that without tidal exchange, these habitats cannot sustain life; he termed the wetland a classic case of civic neglect.
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Experts also observed the deterioration largely due to disrupted tidal exchange. Seawater is present during high tide, elevating and blocking drainage channels, preventing their exit. The trapped polluting water triggered algal blooms. Authorities have begun operation DPS Flamingo Lake cleanup and is removing 500-600 kg of sludge daily, with nearly four tonnes cleared so far.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
When can we see flamingos in Navi Mumbai?
Flamingo season in Navi Mumbai typically runs from November to May, with peak sightings occurring between January and March.