Mumbai: Raising the issue of Mumbai's wet lands, which are disappearing by the day due to illegal encroachment and the dumping of debris, Shiv Sena corporator Sheetal Mhatre has demanded the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to revamp and transform them into tourists destinations.
The number of migratory birds visiting these spots have dropped due to human activities, says Mhatre, citing the civic body's negligence in these matters. "There is an urgent need for the conservation of mudflat sites in Mumbai. BMC should identity the total number of wet lands and conserve them," she added.
Mumbai, being surrounded by the sea, has mudflats in areas such as Gorai, Malad, Sewree, Bhandup, Oshiwara, and Mankhurd. Every year, thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos, visit them from October to March in search for food and habitat.
"There is abundant biodiversity in wetlands. Protecting them is essential to enhance tourism. The court has taken note of this and has given important instructions to the public. We have to take the view that we have the opportunity to save nature," said Stalin Deshpande, environmentalist.
