The Flamingo City: A Paradise Under Threat
Navi Mumbai is home to over 150,000 flamingos each year, a spectacle of grace amidst urban expansion. This collection documents their courtship, flight, and the fragile wetland habitat they depend on.
I call this "The Angels Have Landed." It shows the incredible sight of flamingos returning to DPS Lake in Navi Mumbai, a habitat now recognized as a Conservation Reserve. Watching them land in perfect coordination without colliding is a moment of pure wonder that gives me goosebumps every time.
The courtship ritual of lesser flamingos reminds me of a 'Swayamvar,' where suitors strut to win over a bride. Here, the males march with necks held high, hoping to impress a mate. It's a humorous and beautiful sight, but it carries a serious message about the potential loss of this lake to development.
This film captures the 'Flamboyance,' the spectacular courtship march of the lesser flamingos in Navi Mumbai. They gather in the scorching heat of May to find life partners before migrating. My work aims to ensure that future generations can also witness this incredible dance of life.
A flock of Greater Flamingos wades through the calm waters of a Navi Mumbai lake, their elegant forms reflected against a backdrop of lush mangroves. This image was part of a feature in Mid-Day newspaper to raise awareness about these vital urban ecosystems.
In this humorous take, I imagine a flock of Greater Flamingos getting a pre-flight briefing before a long journey. In reality, their orderly formations are a marvel of natural coordination, a beautiful spectacle that unfolds daily in the wetlands of Navi Mumbai.
A wide view of the DPS lake in Navi Mumbai, teeming with thousands of flamingos while a smaller group takes to the sky. The city's skyline in the background serves as a constant reminder of the urban pressures on this delicate and vital ecosystem.
By turning this image upside down, the reflection of the lesser flamingos creates an entirely new perspective, like an impressionist painting. It reminds me that only when the mind becomes still can we truly experience the beauty and light that nature offers.
About this collection
Capturing these migrations requires more than just a lens. It involves quiet, patient hours in the wetlands, matching my breathing to the rhythm of the flock, and waiting for that singular moment when light transforms the landscape. My filmmaking here focuses on the fragile intersection between Navi Mumbai’s urban expansion and the seasonal, migratory pulse of these birds.
Navi Mumbai is a unique junction where high-rises meet vital mangrove ecosystems. Each year, this habitat hosts a migratory event that feels almost otherworldly. My work with 'The Flamingo City' project is built on three pillars: observation, documentation, and advocacy.
When I am filming at DPS Lake or T.S. Chanakya, I am not just looking for a perfect shot. I am documenting behavior, the 'flamboyance' of their courtship rituals, and the daily struggles of a species trying to thrive in a shrinking habitat. Shooting in 4K with telephoto lenses allows me to capture this behavior without disturbing the natural rhythm of the flock.
The urgency is real. These wetlands are often viewed as land banks for development rather than essential biological corridors. Through my short documentaries and advocacy films, I strive to turn the camera lens into a voice for these voiceless creatures. Whether I am highlighting the aerial acrobatics of whiskered terns or the massive gatherings of Greater Flamingos, my goal is to spark a conversation. Aakhir kya chahte ho? We must ask ourselves what we truly desire for the future of our city’s natural heritage.
Sreekumar Krishnan
I am Sreekumar. Photography is my meditation, and my camera is how I give a voice to nature. Whether I am documenting a flamingo courtship or filming the struggle of our mangroves, I focus on capturing the soul of the moment. I want you to see what is at stake so we can protect it together.
Explore other stories and services
See my work across wildlife, portraits, and conservation storytelling.
More from Conservation & Environmental Filmmaking by Sreekumar Krishnan