Maharashtra is set to establish India’s first AI-powered bird sanctuary at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) with the development of a ₹45-crore Eco-Nature Park. The pioneering project will integrate artificial intelligence with wildlife conservation by introducing an AI-based bird detection and monitoring system, enabling real-time tracking and identification of migratory and resident bird species.
Located between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is India’s first flamingo sanctuary and an ecologically significant wetland along the Central Asian Flyway. Every year, it hosts thousands of migratory birds, including Greater Flamingos, Lesser Flamingos, herons, egrets, kingfishers, and other waterbirds, making it one of the country’s premier birdwatching destinations.
The AI-powered monitoring system will use smart cameras to identify bird species, track migration patterns, and collect scientific data across a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the sanctuary. The Eco-Nature Park will also feature nature trails, birdwatching towers, interpretation centres, and interactive AI displays, offering visitors an immersive and educational experience while supporting long-term conservation efforts.
By combining advanced technology with biodiversity protection, the project aims to strengthen scientific research, promote sustainable eco-tourism, and enhance the conservation of one of India’s most important coastal wetland ecosystems. The initiative marks a significant step toward leveraging AI for environmental conservation while reinforcing Maharashtra’s commitment to protecting its rich natural heritage.
