Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary Gets ₹45 Crore Eco-Park With India’s First AI Birdwatching Centre

Mumbai to Launch AI-Powered Eco-Tourism Park for Bird Lovers, Researchers and Nature Enthusiasts

The Maharashtra government has approved a ₹45 crore eco-nature park at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, introducing what is expected to be India’s first AI-powered bird detection and monitoring center. The project aims to strengthen wildlife conservation while promoting sustainable tourism through advanced technology and eco-friendly infrastructure.

The new development will combine artificial intelligence with environmental conservation, allowing visitors to observe birds in real time while helping scientists and forest officials monitor biodiversity across one of Mumbai’s most important wetland ecosystems.

₹45 Crore Project Approved for Ramsar-Protected Wetland

The eco-tourism project has received funding of ₹45 crore through the District Planning Committee (DPC). The announcement was made by Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar, who said the project will help protect Mumbai’s rich natural heritage while creating a world-class destination for eco-tourism.

The project will be developed inside the Ramsar-designated Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, an internationally recognized wetland that attracts thousands of migratory flamingos and hundreds of other bird species every year.

Officials said the proposal has already secured approvals from multiple government agencies, including the Maharashtra Nature Tourism Development Board, the Maharashtra Eco-Tourism Board, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, and technical approval from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

Eco-Park Designed to Protect Sensitive Mangrove Habitat

The eco-nature park will be built across 20.09 hectares along the Thane Creek shoreline near the Bhandup Pumping Station. However, tourism-related infrastructure will occupy only 0.35 hectares, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding mangrove ecosystem.

The sanctuary is one of Mumbai’s richest biodiversity zones, supporting nearly 250 species of resident and migratory birds along with extensive mangrove forests and wetland habitats.

To preserve this fragile environment, the project focuses on low-impact infrastructure designed to educate visitors while protecting wildlife.

Visitors to Enjoy Nature Trails, Watch Towers and Bird Observation Decks

The eco-tourism destination will include several attractions designed for nature lovers, photographers, students and researchers.

Key features of the project include:

• A 2.16-kilometre mangrove nature trail
• Modern birdwatching centers
• Elevated viewing decks
• Multi-level observation towers
• A butterfly garden
• Eco-friendly jetty facilities
• Nature interpretation center
• Educational lecture hall
• Sustainable visitor amenities

Officials believe these facilities will create a better wildlife viewing experience without disturbing birds or damaging sensitive habitats.

India’s First AI-Based Bird Detection and Monitoring Centre

The biggest highlight of the project is the proposed AI-powered bird detection and monitoring center, which is expected to be the first of its kind in India.

The system will monitor bird activity across a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the sanctuary using artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Its capabilities will include:

• Real-time bird tracking
• AI-powered species identification
• Automated wildlife monitoring
• Bird call recording and playback
• Biodiversity documentation
• Centralized digital database
• Live data synchronization
• Analytical reports for conservation research

The technology is expected to improve long-term biodiversity monitoring while providing visitors with an interactive birdwatching experience.

Project to Support Conservation and Scientific Research

Experts believe AI-powered monitoring can significantly improve wildlife conservation by generating accurate biodiversity records and reducing manual field surveys.

The digital database created through the project will also support researchers, conservationists and government agencies in tracking migration patterns, bird populations and ecosystem health over time.

By combining technology with environmental education, the project aims to encourage greater public awareness about wetland conservation and the importance of protecting mangrove ecosystems.

Government Says Project Will Strengthen Mumbai’s Natural Heritage

After inspecting the project site, Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar said the eco-park will become an important step toward balancing conservation with responsible tourism.

According to him, the initiative will promote environmental awareness while encouraging more people to participate in protecting Mumbai’s wetlands and biodiversity. The project will be funded through the Mumbai Suburban Special Fund, with construction expected to move forward after all administrative formalities are completed.

BMC Also Developing a New Exotic Bird Park in Nahur

Alongside the Thane Creek project, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is developing an exotic bird park in Nahur West.

The bird park will be built on a 17,139.64-square-meter site, with approximately 10,859 square meters dedicated to bird habitats. Planned attractions include several exotic species such as African grey parrots, eclectus parrots, sun conures, golden conures, toco toucans, ostriches, and black swans.

Together, these projects reflect Mumbai’s growing investment in eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation and nature-based educational experiences.