Pune: Traveling thousands of kilometers, flamingos cross borders from Iran, the Middle East, and other countries to reach India. In Maharashtra, these birds are commonly seen in areas such as Mumbai, Bhigwan, and Mayani. However, their deaths have raised several concerns.

To ensure their protection, the state government has announced the formation of a high-level committee dedicated to safeguarding these birds and their natural habitats. This committee will submit a report within two months.

Members include the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department, Pravin Pardeshi from the Bombay Natural History Society, CIDCO's manager, the Commissioner of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the Principal Secretary of the Environment Department, representatives from the Maharashtra Maritime Board, Thane's District Collector, the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, and the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests for Mangroves.

In the Manjari area along the Mula-Mutha River in Pune district, there are natural water bodies that used to attract flamingos. However, increasing urbanization has endangered these habitats.

Many complaints have been received about flamingo deaths due to pollution. The committee will investigate the exact causes of these deaths. Since 2017, the Mumbai-Thane area has seen a rise in flamingo numbers due to better habitats. Flamingos arrive here from Iran, Kutch, and the Middle East.

In the Nerul area, the water flow to the DPS Lake has decreased, and the inlet has been closed. Despite this, no information is available on why the lake's water turned pink.

Six flamingo deaths have been reported in total, with four dying from heart and lung diseases. Two flamingos were found in such a decomposed state that autopsies could not be performed.

The committee will gather all this information and work towards preventing such incidents in the future through in-depth studies facilitated by the government.