Winter Spectacle Returns as Migratory Flamingos Sweep Into Navi Mumbai’s Wetlands

This year’s flocks have primarily arrived from well-known breeding grounds such as the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Rajasthan’s Sambhar Lake. After long migratory flights, the birds disperse across Navi Mumbai’s rich wetland ecosystem, feeding and resting in areas that offer ideal conditions of shallow water, abundant algae and uninterrupted space.

At the heart of this spectacle is the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, a protected expanse that annually hosts some of the largest flamingo gatherings in the country. Several urban wetlands—DPS Lake, TS Chanakya Wetlands, Seawoods Flamingo Point, Panje Wetlands and the Karave belt—have also reported significant sightings, drawing nature enthusiasts with their colourful congregations. The presence of vast mangroves and natural water channels has made these pockets especially conducive to the birds’ seasonal stay.

However, even as the arrival ushers in excitement, it also highlights mounting environmental concerns. Many of Navi Mumbai’s wetlands remain under pressure from rapid urban development, land acquisition, illegal dumping and unregulated construction. Conservationists note that several ecologically critical sites still lack official protection as Conservation Reserves or designated Protected Wetlands, leaving them vulnerable to degradation. This winter’s slightly delayed flamingo arrival—possibly influenced by prolonged monsoon activity and post-rainwater conditions—has reinforced concerns about shifting environmental patterns and the fragility of these habitats.

For Navi Mumbai, the flamingos are more than a seasonal attraction; they symbolize the region’s ecological richness and underscore the urgent need to safeguard its remaining wetlands. Their presence draws photographers, researchers and visitors every year, serving as a reminder that thriving biodiversity and responsible urban growth must go hand in hand. As the city continues to expand, the return of these migratory birds stands as both a celebration of nature’s resilience and a call to protect the ecosystems that sustain it.