Artist Rohan Chakravarty, 33, has crafted ‘The Biodiversity Map of Mumbai’ which shows the true nature of biodiversity in the metropolitan region. This is part of a campaign known as ‘Biodiversity by the Bay’ launched by a youth-oriented climate-action collective that goes by the name of ‘Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic’. The map has been designed with facts while it also includes some anecdotes that not everyone may be aware of.
This campaign has a five-point plan which includes the announcement of protected status for Lesser Flamingos while also ensuring stable livelihood support for people of the Koli and Warli indigenous communities in the coast.
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The map speaks of the lush mangroves in Mumbai while also talking about some of the largest insects in the world such as the Atlas Moth. It details more than 90 species of creatures spanning the region including birds, butterflies, wildcats as well as reptiles.
The idea for the campaign came from Purpose Climate Lab which is a global social impact agency. A senior strategist at the firm, Sonali Bhasin said - “This map is the first of its kind, and is intended to inspire pride in all of Mumbai’s treasures. It shows our audience how they are connected to Mumbai’s biodiversity.”
She added that they hope to see these maps across Mumbai, possibly near the State Environment Department or the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) office and near parks and other public places to encourage conservation of the region’s rich flora and fauna.
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Talking about this map Rohan said, “The first images that one's mind conjures upon hearing the name Mumbai, are either a city full of skyscrapers and slums or the promenades along Marine Lines and Bandra. But Mumbai is also replete with a unique blend of biodiversity. From a forest ruled by leopards in the heart of the city to beaches full of bizarre shore wildlife, from wetlands dotted pink with Flamingos to Mangroves splashing red with fiddler crabs, Mumbai has them all!"
This illustrative map also mentions the ‘Intertidal Wildlife Hotspots’ where the citizens can take a stroll or “shore walks” to one can find crabs, cowries, and corals. This is done in accordance with the Marine Life of Mumbai collective. The idea here is to create awareness of the beautiful biodiversity of the city and avoid causing it any harm, particularly with infrastructure projects.
Environmental activists have previously alleged that the BMC’s ambitious Coastal Road project is causing harm to the local ecology. There have been reports of fishermen being impacted by the project.
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