Tragedy in Mumbai: 36 Flamingos Killed as Emirates Flight Hits Flock

In Mumbai, 36 flamingos were killed after an Emirates flight collided with them. The flight sustained damages but managed to land safely.

Forest officials reported the discovery of 36 flamingo carcasses in an area near Mumbai's Ghatkopar. A search has been initiated to determine if additional bodies are present.

A collision with an Emirates flight led to the death of at least 36 flamingos over the Laxmi Nagar area of Pantnagar in Mumbai's Ghatkopar on Monday night. According to a source at Mumbai airport, EK 508, an Emirates flight, reported a bird strike upon arrival at 9:18 pm. Despite sustaining damages, the flight landed safely at Mumbai airport.

SY Rama Rao, Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangrove Protection Cell), stated that 36 flamingo carcasses were discovered in the area, prompting a search to determine if additional flamingos were affected. He confirmed they were struck by a flight, initiating efforts to locate any further impacted flamingos.

Deepak Khade, Deputy Conservator of the Mangrove Protection Cell, stated, "The airport authorities have confirmed a bird strike to us. This occurred near Laxmi Nagar, at the northern end of Ghatkopar East."

Prashant Bahadure, Range Forest Officer of the Mangrove Protection Cell, mentioned, "I visited the airport, but was denied entry. The airport authorities informed us that these flamingos were struck by an Emirates flight. We received a call from local residents, and the incident likely occurred between 8:40 pm to 8:50 pm. Our team reached the spot at 9:15 pm."

Environmental activist D Stalin, representing NGO Vanshakti, stated, "Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the birds flying into the airplane. My theory suggests that the new power lines passing through the sanctuary area are disorienting the birds. These power lines should never have been permitted, considering there were numerous alternative routes available. Unfortunately, the wildlife board, which previously prohibited power lines within sanctuaries, yielded to the power company without resistance. Consequently, the Thane Creek Wildlife Sanctuary was compromised, and towers were erected."

Stalin suggested that CIDCO, which raised concerns about bird strikes endangering the Navi Mumbai airport, may have an indirect connection to this incident. "The wetlands in the NRI complex area and TS Chanakya lakes are habitats for flamingo flocks. Recent attempts have been made to disrupt the birds and convert the water bodies for construction. If someone or a group disturbed the birds at night, causing them to flee towards Thane Creek, the accident may have occurred as a result," he elaborated.