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NEW DELHI: Maharashtra is set to establish India’s first AI-based bird sanctuary as part of a major eco-tourism and conservation initiative. The state government has approved a ₹45-crore Eco-Nature Park at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) in Thane, which will integrate advanced artificial intelligence for real-time bird monitoring and habitat management.
AI-Driven Conservation and Monitoring
The project will feature India’s first AI-powered bird detection and monitoring centre. It will use AI-enabled cameras, acoustic sensors, and data analytics to track bird populations, identify species through images and sounds, and monitor migration patterns, nesting activities, and behaviour in real time.
The system is designed to operate across a 1.5-kilometre stretch with minimal disturbance to the natural habitat.
This technology will help forest officials and researchers detect threats such as habitat degradation, illegal activities, or environmental changes, enabling faster intervention.
The collected data is also expected to support scientific studies on climate change impacts and biodiversity conservation.
Eco-Tourism and Infrastructure
The Eco-Nature Park will promote responsible eco-tourism while prioritising conservation. Plans include nature trails, birdwatching facilities, educational exhibits, and interpretation centres.
Only a small portion of the area (around 0.35 hectares out of 20.09 hectares) will be used for physical infrastructure, with the rest preserved for ecological purposes.
Located along the eastern edge of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is a Ramsar-designated wetland of international importance.
It is part of the Central Asian Flyway and attracts thousands of migratory birds, including large flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, along with over 200 other species such as shorebirds, herons, egrets, and kingfishers. The sanctuary serves as a vital habitat in an urban landscape.
The new AI-powered initiative is expected to enhance conservation efforts, raise public awareness about biodiversity, and position the sanctuary as a unique attraction for birdwatchers, students, and nature enthusiasts visiting the Mumbai metropolitan region.
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