Mumbai: In a heart-wrenching incident near Maharashtra’s bustling capital, Mumbai, a flock of over 30 flamingos met a tragic end following a collision with an Emirates aircraft. The incident occurred over the residential area of Laxmi Nagar in Ghatkopar, casting a shadow over the city’s aviation and wildlife conservation efforts.
On the fateful evening of Monday, Emirates flight EK 508 encountered a group of migratory flamingos during its final approach to Mumbai Airport. The impact, reported at 9:18 pm, resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, although it managed to land safely at the airport.
The aftermath of the collision was grim, with forest officials confirming the retrieval of 29 flamingo carcasses late Monday night. The search continued into Tuesday morning, uncovering additional casualties, bringing the total number of deceased birds to over 30.
As of the last reports, Emirates had not issued a statement regarding the incident. The airline’s silence on the matter has been noted, with the aviation community and environmentalists eagerly awaiting further information.
The coastal wetlands of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are renowned for their role as a sanctuary for flamingos. These vibrant migratory birds grace the shores from December to March and April, adding a splash of color to the city’s landscape. The loss of over 30 flamingos in such a sudden and tragic manner has raised concerns about the safety of these birds, which are an integral part of the region’s ecological charm.
This unfortunate event has highlighted the delicate balance between urban development and wildlife conservation, prompting a call for increased measures to protect these majestic creatures that share our skies and cities.
