Forests officials reported finding 36 flamingo bodies near Mumbai’s Ghatkopar, following a bird strike by an Emirates flight EK 508 on Monday night. The plane, which landed safely at Mumbai airport despite damages, reported the bird hit at 9.18 pm.
Additional chief conservator of forests (Mangrove protection cell) SY Rama Rao confirmed the flamingo deaths and initiated a search for more casualties. Deputy conservator Deepak Khade verified the airport’s confirmation of the incident near Laxmi Nagar, Ghatkopar East.
Prashant Bahadure, from the mangrove protection cell, noted the incident occurred around 8.40 pm to 8.50 pm, with his team arriving at 9.15 pm. Environmentalist D Stalin suggested new power lines through sanctuary areas might have disoriented the birds, criticizing the wildlife board for permitting these lines. Stalin also hinted at possible disruptions at Navi Mumbai’s wetlands driving the birds to flee at night, leading to the tragic collision.
