Steady decline in sightings of birds in MMR
MUMBAI: There has been a steady decline in sighting of birds in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) – and regular destruction of green cover, mangroves and wetlands are contributing to it.
The MMR comprises of two districts of Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburbs and part of three neighbouring districts of Thane, Palghar and Raigad. In terms of spread, it is 4,355 sq kms – and more than two crore people stay here besides a huge floating population. Mumbai is spread over 603 sq km.
Mumbai and its suburbs are birding hotspots and this causes concern.
“With well over 350 bird species recorded over the years in and around this city, lying as this does at a critical point not just on the avifaunal migration route but is also flanked by a vast landscape of habitats, Mumbai is a birding hotspot,” according to naturalist Sunjoy Monga, who had conceptualized the India BirdRaces programme.
On the eve of 11th edition of Mumbai BirdRace on February 1, Monga released the findings of the last 11 years – which shows the decline.
In 2005, as many 277 bird species were spotted, followed by 2006 (283), 2007 (252), 2008 (261), 2009 (263), 2010 (250), 2011 (248), 2012 (242), 2013 (249) and 2014 (225).
Some sites where there has been a worryingly higher fall are Sanjay Gandhi National Park – which is spread of 103 sq kms and often referred to as “green lung” of Mumbai, Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Uran wetlands.
“Numerous sites have disappeared and/or deteriorated alarmingly, including several freshwater bodies. Especially along Palm Beach Road south to Uran, over 60% of the wetlands have been wiped  out in recent years, in one of the most shocking developments in the region, displaying the  absolute disregard of agencies such as CIDCO, JNPT and others towards sensible integrating of,  and dovetailing of developmental demands with ecological considerations. It can be said that Mumbai has lost a unique opportunity to showcase a pragmatic care and concern for nature,” said Monga.




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