Flamingo birds are poached and their meat sold at nearby markets in Airoli

The Free Press Journal , Monday, June 27, 2016
Correspondent : KarishmaRavindran
Mumbai: Despite the Thane creek being declared a Flamingo Sanctuary last year, the place has now turned into a spot where these migratory birds are poached and their meat sold at nearby markets in Airoli, Chembur, Thane east and Uran.

Local residents have informed the NGO, Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) about flamingos being sold in markets between Mahul and Chembur. Also flamingos were reportedly being sold along the creek line in front of the Mulund dumping ground.

“I have received at least five calls last year in the month of June from the people who told me of flamingos being sold by the locals in areas like Airoli and Mahul areas. In Airoli, they are being sold in the markets ahead of Airolibridge,” said NitinWalmiki, a Wildlife Biologist.

The locals who sell the migratory birds identify them as ‘bagla cha meat’ (flamingo meat) or ‘gulabibagla’ (pink flamingo). These flamingos are sold in the market for not less than Rs 300 to Rs 400 for a bunch, which is considered a delicacy by the locals.

“These flamingos are sold in the local fish market of these areas and most importantly they are sold in broad daylight,” said Walmiki.

The flamingos are trapped by the locals using two long sticks which are tied together by threads. These sticks are buried in the mudflats where these migratory birds come to feed.

“The synthetic threads which are tied around the sticks cause the flamingos to get injured on their legs. Since these migratory birds are bigger in size, they are unable to fly and are trapped in those threads. This helps the locals to capture them inhumanely,” added Walmiki.

According to RAWW and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), despite making several complaints to the forest department about flamingo poaching, they have failed in investigating the matter.

“Since mangrove cell was introduced only last year, the officers from forest department, mangrove cell are not aware of the flamingos being captured by the locals. They also lack the basic infrastructure facilities like binoculars and patrolling vehicles.”

“There is lack of coordination within the forest department. Hence, I feel there is a need for a 24/7 helpline in the Mangrove cell to attend calls relating marine wildlife in distress,” said Pawan Sharma, Founder and President of RAWW.

While the Deputy Director of WCCB, M Maranko said, “I would collect the information from the Thane Anti-Poaching unit and take the matters into hand. I will see to it that I gather proper information and monitor the areas where flamingo poaching is been conducted.”

Steps taken to protect the migratory bird- flamingos

• The flamingos are the migratory birds of the winter season in the Mumbai city.

• Every year several bird watchers and nature enthusiasts throng Sewri mudflats to catch a glimpse of these pink-feathered birds.

• More than 6000 flamingos have been spotted every year at the Sewri mudflats.

• As a part of rehabilitation plan for the affected flamingos due to Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link project by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority.

• Japan International Cooperation Agency has earmarked areas of the intertidal zones of Trombay, Nhava and Bhandup to create embankments for flamingos to roost.

• Thane creek has been declared a flamingo sanctuary.

 
SOURCE : http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/flamingo-birds-are-poached-and-their-meat-sold-at-nearby-markets-in-airoli/878770
 


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