A major environmental initiative has been launched to restore the degrading flamingo habitat along Mumbai’s Thane Creek. In an effort to rehabilitate this critical ecosystem, a $1.2 million investment has been announced by Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund. The restoration project has been planned in collaboration with Hasten Regeneration and is being supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Under this initiative, efforts are being directed toward the revival of mangrove forests and mudflats, which are essential for migratory birds. The cleaning of plastic waste from the creek is being prioritized, as pollution and human encroachment have been identified as major threats to the ecosystem. The project’s objective is to enhance the quality of feeding sites to attract flamingos and other migratory species, whose presence has been increasingly threatened by environmental degradation.
As part of the cleanup process, trash booms are being installed to intercept plastic waste before it enters Mumbai’s waterways. These barriers are expected to capture and retain non-biodegradable debris, which will subsequently be collected, sorted, and recycled. A daily removal target of at least 100 kg of plastic has been set, with an overall goal of extracting 150 tonnes over the next three years. This measure is expected to significantly improve the water quality and overall ecosystem health of Thane Creek.
Over a million migratory birds, including flamingos and more than 180 other species, have been relying on the wetlands of Thane Creek. However, concerns have been raised by conservationists and local communities regarding the increasing impact of pollution and human interference on the region. Due to unchecked waste disposal, a significant decline in habitat quality has been observed, making immediate intervention necessary.
The restoration of mangroves has been considered an essential component of the project, as these forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate resilience. Compared to tropical forests, a significantly higher amount of carbon is stored by mangroves per hectare. Furthermore, coastal erosion and storm surges are mitigated by these natural barriers, making them critical for the protection of Mumbai’s coastline.
In collaboration with Amazon India, Hasten Regeneration and the Srushti Conservation Foundation (SCF) are overseeing the implementation of the project. The preservation of this habitat has been described as vital for both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. A positive social impact is also expected to be generated, as local women are being employed to replant mangroves, contributing to the conservation of migratory stopover sites.
The initiative has been positioned as part of Amazon’s larger environmental commitments in India. A total of $15 million has been pledged by the company under its Right Now Climate Fund to support various conservation efforts. Projects focusing on biodiversity preservation, reforestation, and the promotion of sustainable urban ecosystems are being undertaken as part of this broader strategy. Through such initiatives, long-term ecological benefits are being aimed for, with an emphasis on creating a sustainable future for both wildlife and human communities.
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