Mumbai’s utter disregard for its mangroves is evident from the deplorable condition they are in, despite several attempts to revive them. They are diminishing by the day, with an over 70 per cent year-on-year loss recorded in 2018, the highest in three years. Mangrove trees are crucial to the wetland ecosystem, and their disappearance has resulted in a loss of habitat for migratory birds such as flamingos. The birds are also affected by the water pollution in the region, since the mangroves serve as their feeding areas. Sharing this tragic fate are the greater spotted eagle, sandpiper, heron, the black-bellied tern and egrets. Several mudflats which support mangroves face destruction today on account of projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), which entails construction of a 22 km bridge from Sewri to Nhava Sheva, cutting across mangroves. The government has proposed measures such as the creation of a flamingo watching bay, to encourate community participation. However, it remains to be seen how many of these are implemented. With development in the driver’s seat, nature has taken a backseat this World Wetlands Day.

Paul Noronha

Vain attempt: The Mumbai Trans harbor Link (MTHL) project i=project would disrupt the habitat of the migratory birds and raise other ecological issues for the mangrove

In danger: Few flamingos seen at the Sewri Mudflat in Mumbai as construction of the Mumbai Trans harbor Link (MTHL) project is on

In pursuit: Flamingoes take off from the mudflats at the Thane Creek in New Mumbai

Photo: Paul Noronha

No bird’s land: Flamingoes are facing threat as the city faces 70 per cent mangrove destruction, in 2018highest in three years.

Photo: Paul Noronha

Wasteland: Garbage dumped around the Mangroves in western suburbs in Mumbai

Published on February 1, 2019