Thane Creek Gets ₹45-Crore Eco-Park

The Maharashtra state government has approved a ₹45-crore project to develop an eco-nature park and a state-of-the-art birdwatching centre at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. The project, which will be funded by the District Planning Committee, will be built on 20.09 hectares of land along the Thane Creek shoreline near Bhandup Pumping Station.

The eco-park will feature a 2.16-km mangrove nature trail, birdwatching centres, viewing decks, and multi-level watch towers, among other facilities. The project has been designed to minimize ecological disturbance, with tourism facilities restricted to just 0.35 hectares.

The birdwatching centre will be equipped with AI technology, allowing for real-time bird tracking and species identification. The centre will also feature automated monitoring, analytics, and biodiversity documentation across a 1.5-km stretch.

The project has received approvals from the Maharashtra Nature Tourism Development Board, Maharashtra Eco-Tourism Board, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The development will be funded through the Suburban Special Fund.

According to Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, the project will strengthen environmental conservation and encourage public participation in protecting Mumbai's natural heritage. Shelar inspected the project site on Monday and announced that the project will be completed with a ₹45-crore allocation from the District Planning Committee's fund.

The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot, with mangrove ecosystems, wetlands, and habitats supporting nearly 250 species of local and migratory birds. The project is expected to promote environmental conservation and provide a unique experience for tourists and bird enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, the BMC is also developing an exotic bird park at Nahur West, which will feature exotic species such as sun conures, golden conures, and African grey parrots.

The development of the eco-park and birdwatching centre at Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is a significant step towards promoting environmental conservation and tourism in the region. The project is expected to provide a unique experience for visitors and help protect Mumbai's natural heritage.

The use of AI technology in the birdwatching centre is also a notable feature of the project. The technology will allow for real-time bird tracking and species identification, providing valuable insights for researchers and bird enthusiasts.

Overall, the project is a positive development for the region, and is expected to promote environmental conservation and tourism in the years to come.

The project's significance extends beyond its environmental benefits, as it is also expected to boost tourism in the region. The eco-park and birdwatching centre will provide a unique experience for visitors, and will help to promote the region's natural heritage.

In conclusion, the development of the eco-park and birdwatching centre at Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is a significant step towards promoting environmental conservation and tourism in the region. The project's use of AI technology and its focus on minimizing ecological disturbance make it a notable development in the field of environmental conservation.