Mumbai’s marine drive, adorned by the graceful presence of thousands of seagulls during the winter months, has become a cherished spot for Mumbaikars. However, a concerning tradition persists as morning walkers engage in activities detrimental to the health of these migratory birds. Despite repeated awareness efforts, the feeding of fried food to seagulls persists, posing significant risks to their well-being and the beauty of marine drive.
The Tradition and Its Impact:
- Low Nutritional Value: Fried food lacks essential nutrients necessary for the well-being of seagulls, compromising their health in the long run.
- Health Hazards: Consumption of artificial food can lead to severe health complications for the seagulls, affecting their digestive system and internal organs.
- Accidental Injuries: Greedily drawn to the offered farsan, seagulls often fall victim to vehicular accidents, failing to navigate the busy traffic of marine drive.
- Disease Transmission: Overcrowding resulting from artificial feeding fosters the transmission of diseases among seagulls and potentially to other avian species and humans.
- Altered Migration Patterns: Artificial feeding disrupts the natural migratory behavior of seagulls, potentially affecting their survival instincts and long-term population dynamics.
Environmental Concerns:
- Muscle Development: Seagulls rely on a diet of fish, worms, and insects to maintain muscle strength and complete their protein intake, a requirement unmet by fried food.
- Digestive System: The small digestive system of seagulls is ill-equipped to process artificial or fried food, leading to digestive complications and diminished health.
The tradition of feeding fried food to Mumbai’s seagulls not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of these magnificent birds but also undermines the ecological balance of marine drive. Urgent collective action is imperative to raise awareness, enforce regulations, and promote responsible behavior among Mumbaikars to safeguard the welfare of these migratory treasures and preserve the natural splendor of marine drive.
