Pink Spectacle Vanishes: Flamingos Skip India Wetlands

Each year between November and April, the Ujani dam backwaters near Kumbhargaon typically transform into a dazzling pink due to the arrival of thousands of greater flamingos. This natural phenomenon has been a significant draw for tourists and photographers, vital for the local economy. However, this past season, the flamingos largely failed to appear.

Wildlife experts and local guides reported sightings of only about 200 to 250 flamingos, a fraction of the usual numbers. These few birds often arrived in small flocks and departed quickly. This scarcity has led to a severe decline in tourism, impacting boatmen, hoteliers, and safari operators who rely on the annual migration.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) surveys have historically recorded over a thousand flamingo visits annually in the Bhigwan area. This year, from June 2025 to April 2026, this number has drastically reduced. Small flocks of 20 to 30 birds were observed from January onwards but did not settle for extended periods.

Forest officials suggest that excessive rainfall during the previous monsoon season, leading to higher water levels in the Ujani dam, is a key factor. Flamingos require shallow wetlands with ample algae for feeding; elevated water levels hinder their access to food, prompting them to seek alternative locations.

Greater flamingos typically migrate south from northern wetlands like Gujarat's Rann of Kutch and Rajasthan's Sambhar Lake when food becomes scarce. This year, the water levels in these northern areas did not drop sufficiently to trigger their southward movement in usual numbers. Even when water was released from the Ujani dam in late January, the water levels remained too high for the birds' preferred habitat.

Beyond immediate weather patterns, conservationists highlight broader environmental concerns. Climate change is altering monsoon timings and temperatures globally, potentially allowing flamingos to find food further north. Additionally, habitat loss due to development, such as solar plant installations near Baramati, is cited as a contributing factor to the declining sightings of various migratory bird species.

As the current season concludes, the Kumbhargaon community and stakeholders await the next winter with the hope that favorable water levels and ecological conditions will bring back the thousands of flamingos, restoring the vibrant spectacle and their livelihoods.