Mumbai, India – In a heart-wrenching incident, 36 flamingoes lost their lives after a collision with an Emirates flight during its landing at Mumbai airport. The unfortunate event occurred on Monday night over the Laxmi Bagar area of Pantnagar in the Ghatkopar region, sparking concerns among environmentalists and wildlife conservationists.
Collision Over Thane Creek: Devastating Impact on Flamingoes
As Emirates Flight EK 508 descended for landing at Mumbai airport at 9:18 pm, it collided with a flock of migratory flamingoes flying over Thane Creek. The collision resulted in the tragic demise of 36 flamingoes, with authorities conducting search operations to ascertain if more birds were affected by the incident. The bodies of the flamingoes were discovered in the vicinity, highlighting the severity of the collision.
Environmental Impact and Conservation Concerns
SY Rama Rao, additional chief conservator of forests (Mangrove Protection Cell), expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the ecological impact and loss of biodiversity. The wetlands along the Navi Mumbai and Mumbai coast serve as vital habitats for migratory birds, including flamingoes, during the winter months. Rao’s remarks underscore the significance of preserving these habitats and mitigating threats to wildlife.
Speculations and Environmentalist Insights
Renowned environmentalist D Stalin speculated on the possible causes behind the tragic accident, citing concerns over the presence of new power lines in the sanctuary area. Stalin voiced apprehensions that the introduction of these power lines may have disoriented the birds, leading to the collision with the Emirates flight. He also criticized the approval of power lines within sanctuaries, highlighting the need for stricter regulations to protect wildlife habitats.
Furthermore, Stalin raised concerns about recent disturbances to bird habitats in Mumbai, including attempts to disrupt nesting sites and wetlands for construction purposes. He speculated that such disturbances may have prompted the flock of flamingoes to seek refuge in Thane Creek, inadvertently leading to the collision with the aircraft.
Calls for Investigation and Preventive Measures
Amidst the tragedy, there are calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision and the implementation of preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. Wildlife conservationists and environmentalists advocate for stricter regulations and proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable habitats and prevent human-wildlife conflicts.
