Mumbai is set to strengthen its reputation as a haven for migratory birds with the development of a new bird park near the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. The Maharashtra government has approved the project, which aims to combine wildlife conservation, environmental education, scientific research and sustainable tourism while ensuring minimal disturbance to the fragile wetland ecosystem.

The proposed bird park will be spread across approximately 20 hectares along the shoreline of Thane Creek at Bhandup. Although located within the Ramsar-designated Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, only a small portion of the site will be used for visitor facilities, allowing the vast majority of the area to remain undisturbed for wildlife.

One of the project’s most innovative features will be the use of artificial intelligence to monitor bird populations. AI-powered systems will help identify and track bird species in real time, generate biodiversity data, and support long-term conservation research. The technology is also expected to enhance the visitor experience by providing digital information on the birds and their habitats.

The park is planned with several eco-friendly attractions, including elevated mangrove nature trails, bird-watching towers, viewing decks, a nature interpretation centre, lecture halls, butterfly gardens and boating facilities. These amenities are intended to promote environmental awareness while encouraging responsible nature tourism.

Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is one of India’s most important coastal wetlands and serves as a critical stopover for thousands of migratory birds, particularly greater and lesser flamingos that arrive every winter along the Central Asian Flyway. The sanctuary also supports hundreds of other bird species, making it one of the country’s richest urban biodiversity hotspots.

Officials believe the bird park will become a landmark destination for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers and tourists while reinforcing efforts to conserve Mumbai’s mangroves and wetland ecosystems. By integrating modern technology with habitat protection, the initiative aims to showcase how urban development and biodiversity conservation can coexist.