Drone Filming Incident at TS Chanakya Wetland in Navi Mumbai Raises Concerns
The Maharashtra Forest Department is investigating the use of a drone near flamingos at the TS Chanakya wetland in Navi Mumbai, following a complaint from environmentalists. The incident, linked to a Netflix movie, highlights the need for stricter regulat
Drone FilmingFlamingosNavi MumbaiWildlife ProtectionEnvironmental ConcernsReal Estate MumbaiDec 04, 2024
The flamingos, known for their vibrant pink feathers, can be seen in a drone-shot sequence in the film between the timestamps 1 03 44 and 1 03 54. The NatConnect Foundation, led by director B.N. Kumar, has raised the alarm, highlighting the potential threat to the birds. 'While it’s great to showcase flamingos in movies, flying drones over resting birds is both reckless and unacceptable,' Kumar stated. Environmentalists are worried that the noise and proximity of drones could startle or injure the birds, which are listed as 'near-threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The State Mangrove Cell has acknowledged the complaint, and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests S.V. Ramarao has instructed the local forest officer to assess the situation. 'We will issue a notice after verifying whether the filmmakers had the necessary permissions for drone usage,' said Divisional Forest Officer Deepak Khade. Nandakumar Pawar, a local conservationist from Sagar Shakti, pointed out the broader issue of wildlife disturbance due to urban development. 'With the increasing number of infrastructure projects, we are already losing critical wildlife habitats. Drone usage for films must be strictly regulated to prevent further damage,' Pawar emphasized.
Efforts to protect flamingo habitats in Navi Mumbai have been gaining traction in recent years. The Maharashtra government has established a high-level committee to develop conservation strategies for key locations, including the DPS Flamingo Lake. Environmentalists like Jyoti Nadkarni from the Kharghar Wetlands and Hills group are working tirelessly to safeguard these unique birds. The NatConnect Foundation has called for strict guidelines on drone usage in sensitive ecological zones, advocating for accountability from filmmakers and increased public awareness about biodiversity conservation. The Forest Department’s upcoming report is expected to address these concerns and provide legal measures to prevent future disruptions to Navi Mumbai’s vibrant wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern with the drone filming incident at TS Chanakya wetland?
The main concern is that the noise and proximity of the drone could startle or injure the migratory flamingos, which are considered 'near-threatened' by the IUCN.
Who has raised the complaint about the drone filming incident?
The complaint was raised by the NatConnect Foundation, led by director B.N. Kumar, who flagged the footage as a potential threat to the birds' safety and tranquility.
What actions are being taken by the Maharashtra Forest Department?
The Maharashtra Forest Department is investigating the incident and will issue a notice after verifying whether the filmmakers had obtained the necessary permissions for drone usage.
Why is the TS Chanakya wetland significant for flamingos?
The TS Chanakya wetland is a favored habitat for migratory flamingos, contributing to the ecological charm of Navi Mumbai and serving as a vital stopover for these birds.
What steps are being taken to protect flamingo habitats in Navi Mumbai?
The Maharashtra government has set up a high-level committee to devise conservation strategies for key locations like the DPS Flamingo Lake. Environmentalists are also campaigning for stricter regulations and public awareness about biodiversity conservation.
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