The few remaining pockets of wetlands, creeks and mangroves in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which are home to a large number of threatened bird species, have been facing destruction from unplanned developmental activities.

In a recent case, a large chunk of wetland along the Thane Creek designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Bird Life International (UK), is now allegedly being destroyed by an upcoming Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project.

Researchers said an area of about 20 hectares along the Thane Creek near Mithbunder Road, Kopri, is being reclaimed for an upcoming SEZ project of Sun-stream City. Dumping for the project is affecting vital inter-tidal habitats such as mangroves and salt pans. This is in addition to the existing threats such as garbage dumping and other human encroachments, noted Atul Sathe at BNHS India.

In response to a petition filed by Paryavaran Dakshata Manch (PDM), the National Green Tribunal, Western Zone Bench, Pune had ordered an expert bird survey of the affected area. PDM had approached BNHS to conduct the survey. But despite the court order, which also directs the company to facilitate such a survey without any hindrance, the researchers who visited the site a couple of days ago, were prevented entry into the area that has been cordoned off .

Thane Creek is home to thousands of bird species, resident and migratory. A designated Important Bird Area (IBA), it is also recommended by BNHS as a potential Ramsar site. Over 10,000 Lesser and Greater Flamingo are sighted here annually.

A survey conducted by local birdwatchers earlier had recorded 194 bird species in the Thane Creek region. BNHS has recommended that the Thane Creek should be conserved and any form of encroachment and habitat destruction in the vital habitat should be immediately stopped.

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