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Following a recent mid-day report highlighting how drones flown close to flamingos by social media influencers were disturbing migratory birds, the Mangrove Cell of the Forest Department has sought police intervention against illegal drone operations near flamingo habitats in Navi Mumbai.

The Mangrove Cell has written to the NRI Coastal police station in Seawoods, requesting strict surveillance and action against unauthorised drone flying in ecologically sensitive wetland zones frequented by flamingos. Officials have also begun surprise inspections in areas behind the NRI Complex, where large flocks of flamingos gather during the migratory season.

Forest officials warned that illegal drone activity is increasingly disturbing birds during feeding and resting hours, potentially impacting their behaviour, movement patterns and conservation.

Navi Mumbai’s flamingo zones…

>> Are part of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary ecosystem
>> Comprise mangroves, wetlands, and mudflats
>> Are one of India’s largest urban flamingo habitats
>> Host thousands of migratory flamingos annually
>> Are visited by birds that are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Mangrove Cell’s requests to Navi Mumbai Police

>> Increase patrolling in flamingo habitats
>> Take strict action against illegal drone operators
>> Coordinate with Forest Department officials
>> Install warning boards in sensitive zones
>> Conduct awareness drives on drone restrictions
>> Intensify monitoring during migratory season
>> The letter was addressed to the police inspector of the NRI Coastal Police Station in Seawoods.

Continuous surveillance

The Mangrove Cell has also directed Range Forest Officers to maintain continuous monitoring of:
>> Flamingo congregation areas
>> Mangrove belts
>> Mudflats
>> Wetland ecosystems
Officials said action would be taken under applicable wildlife, environmental and aviation laws.

What the Forest Department observed

According to Divisional Forest Officer DG Rakshe, unauthorised drone activity has increased in and around flamingo congregation areas, mangrove belts and mudflats across Navi Mumbai.

Officials say drones can cause…

>> Disturbance during feeding and nesting
>> Panic due to sudden noise and low-altitude movement
>> Forced dispersal of flamingo flocks
>> Possible collision risks
>> Habitat disruption in 
eco-sensitive zones
 
 “Unauthorised and illegal drone-flying activities are increasing in and around flamingo congregation areas,” DFO D G Rakshe said.

Flamingos and drones: Why experts worry

Wildlife experts say migratory birds are especially vulnerable to repeated disturbances during feeding and resting periods. Sudden drone movement and noise can force flocks to abandon feeding grounds, wasting energy reserves crucial for migration and survival. Officials fear repeated disturbances could eventually impact the long-term use of Navi Mumbai’s wetlands by flamingos.

Timeline

Development    Details

Earlier this week    mid-day highlights drones disturbing flamingos
After report           Mangrove Cell writes to Navi Mumbai Police
Current action       Surprise inspections launched near NRI Complex
Next step               Increased surveillance during migratory season