Colonies of around 20,000 flamingos - a magnificent, tall, migratory species of birds - have been visiting the Mahul -Sewri area for a little more than a decade. Sporadic poaching and polluted sea water has steadily been decreasing their numbers.

Fishing was no more a lucrative business for the local fishermen in the Mahul-Sewri area because of the pollution. The flamingo trails helped the local fishermen make an alternate income.

A few facts :

Over 131 species of birds in this area.

Area surrounded by a sea of factories.

Sporadic cases of poaching and industrialization - a serious threat to flamingos.

Flamingos numbers shrinking over the years.

Fishing business affected due to polluted sea water.

Trails aid income for struggling fishermen.

The trail was intended to help the struggling fishermen in the area to benefit from tourism. Unfortunately due to rising security concerns along the Mumbai coastal line, the flamingo trails have been stopped.