FLAMINGO COUNT IN DANGER AT SEWRI?
Alarmed by the possibility of the lesser flamingos, which throng Mumbai as part of their winter retreat, decreasing in number due to the construction of the ambitious Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) is conducting a baseline survey to ascertain the change in the number of the birds, both before and after the construction.
A survey is also being conducted to ascertain the air quality and turbidity of the water at Sewri where MMRDA is planning to construct the link. JICA started the baseline survey in the month of January to study the position of the flamingos coming to Sewri mudflats.
Based on the results of the survey, several measures are being planned by MMRDA to save the mudflats which is inhabited by over 20 varieties of rare birds including the flamingos and the terns. Sources from MMRDA said that the mudflats would be restored in case of damage to them during construction.
“The survey is being conducted on a daily basis by consultants appointed by JICA. This survey will be carried out throughout the construction period to keep a track of the flamingo count and also check the water and air quality at Sewri,” said a senior MMRDA official.
“The turbidity of the water would be checked after taking water samples and giving it for lab testing. Several measures would to be
A baseline survey is on to find out the change in the number of birds, both before and after the construction of the Mumbai TransHarbour Link
taken to avoid increase in the composition of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide during construction of the link to avoid air pollution”, said another engineer from MMRDA. Of the 22-km-long Trans Harbour Link, around 3.5 km will fall on the mudflats, with one pillar being erected every 50 metres. In order to provide foundation to the trans-harbour link, around 140 piles would be constructed on each pillar that would stand on the mudflats. “There is likely to be damage to the mudflats during the construction of the piles. However, we expect that the damage would not be extensive since only 3.5 km will fall in the construct zone,” said the official. Sources from MMRDA said that the mitigation measures for restoring mudflats would be initiated only after the results of the baseline survey are out. Speaking about restoration of mudflats, BNHS Director, Dr Deepak Apte, said the restoration of mudflats is a very complicated process. “It will be impossible to predict complete impact of the construction on the mudflats. Hence, restoration can be initiated only after the project is over. While the construction is under way, little can be done for the mudflats,” said Apte. Apte also said the restoration of mudflats is a very complex process and requires study of sediment flow and then managing and maintaining them through contour management.