Upon witnessing birds falling from their nests during the pruning, local animal lovers immediately informed the NGO Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA). A team from the NGO rushed to the site
Forest officials and NGO teams recover the carcasses of birds and rescue chicks. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Around 30 egrets reportedly died after falling from their nests during tree pruning and trimming work at a private housing society near Ghodbunder Road in Thane on Thursday. Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohit Mohite told mid-day that the incident occurred due to the negligence of the contractor hired for the pruning activity. The work was allegedly being carried out at Thane’s Anand Nagar Rutu Enclave Society.
Upon witnessing birds falling from their nests during the pruning, local animal lovers immediately informed the NGO Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA). A team from the NGO rushed to the site. Videos showing the dead birds and ongoing pruning work have since gone viral on social media, prompting calls from wildlife activists for strict action against those responsible.
Speaking to mid-day, Mohite said, “We were at the site, and the tree contractor appointed by the society didn’t stop the work. They claimed to have a permission letter from the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). I spoke with the TMC tree officer, who clearly stated that any violation or harm to wildlife automatically cancels the permission, and this is clearly mentioned in the letter.”
Sources from the Forest Department said the pruning began on Wednesday evening. By Thursday morning, local residents spotted dead birds and chicks on the ground and alerted WWA. Officials from the Thane Forest Department (Territorial) visited the site on Thursday evening. They confirmed the recovery of approximately 35 dead birds and 26 chicks, including egrets, pond herons, and juveniles. Rescue operations are ongoing, and more birds may still be saved. Mohite has demanded strict action against the private contractor responsible for the pruning activity that led to the deaths of the birds.
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