Wetlands of Mumbai-a Cinematic journey of the Megacity's Wetland Biodiversity

Dear Friends, we are happy to bring you'll the film "Wetlands". The film takes audiences on a journey through the rich biodiversity and natural wetland ecosystems cradled in and around the maximum city of Mumbai.

The film delves into these wetland habitats and the myriad species that manage to survive in the midst of dense human habitation and the hustle bustle of regular city life. The film covers various avian species such as Greater Flamingos, Lesser Flamingos, Western Swamphens, Moorhens, Cormorants, Bronze-winged Jacanas, White-breasted Waterhens, Pied Avocets, Northern Shovelers, Pond Herons, Night Herons, Ruddy-breasted Crakes, Lesser-whistling teals, Spot-billed Ducks, Garganeys to name a few and mangroves that protect Mumbai and other coastal areas from the harsh action of the sea. The film celebrates the immense work of communities, citizen groups, the Forest department and researchers that are constantly striving to protect the Indian state of Maharashtra's Wetlands and forests, despite rapid urbanization and the effects that come with it.

The 4k UHD film is directed, cinematographed and written by filmmaker Sumesh Lekhi, who having spent two decades on the ground researching and working for conservation, has been able to firsthand see the commitment and personal sacrifices made by conservationists, journalists, citizens from all walks of life and the team members of the Mangove Cell & Mangrove Foundation of the Maharashtra Forest Department,


2025 is also special as it marks the year when the Mangrove Foundation completes a decade of its large body of work and contribution to the wetlands, its species and communities that live amidst our wetlands and also depend on them for forms of livelihood. It only behooves that a film on conservation should be voiced by a passionate wildlifer and we are happy to have well featured photographer Debashish Dutta lend his voice of wonderment to the film. Mr.Dutta's photographs feature in publications and competition events. He has also founded Children For Environment, a platform that educates and sensitizes children about the beauty & importance of nature to enable them to grow up as nature-loving adults.


Coming to the stars of the film i.e. the wetlands and its species, the many years of working and filming along with department personnel and conservation activists gave opportunities to spend heartwarming and intimate time with these species. In the words of the filmmaker:-
"It was exciting to put all our gear into swamp mode. We specially made camouflage hides to film from and would get behind the hide much before sunrise so that the birds were not aware of our presence and did not feel disturbed. Keeping equipment steady and filming flamingos was challenging on the creek's waves, but nevertheless the magnificent presence of biodiversity was always inspiring. The film celebrates Mumbai's wetlands and showcases them in all their beauty and at the other end of the spectrum-also witnessing the constant work being done with Wetlands amidst modern urban development activity. Hope through the efforts of many conservationists and through the film, lawmakers will keep giving increased importance to the protection and enhancement of wetlands and forests."

The film end credits some of the passionate people who the team has worked with and thanks everyone for their service to the environment. It is heartening to see more and more citizens and groups coming forward and work for the environment. Please join the movement and may the force of nature always be with all.

  / sumeshlekhi  
https://x.com/sumeshlekhi