Thane Creek is a major tidal waterbody and ecological hotspot along the eastern edge of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, separating Mumbai city from Thane and Navi Mumbai.
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Thane Creek is a tidal estuary of the Arabian Sea and one of the two main distributaries of the Ulhas River in Maharashtra, India. It lies between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, forming the eastern boundary of Salsette Island. The creek spans approximately 26 km and is fed by freshwater sources, including the Ulhas River and urban drainage, resulting in brackish water conditions.
It is recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) and was designated a Ramsar site in 2022 due to its rich biodiversity.
The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), established in 2015, covers 16.9 km² along the western bank and is home to over 130,000 migratory birds annually, including greater and lesser flamingos.
The area supports more than 205 bird species, mangroves, fish, crustaceans, and mammals like the golden jackal.
Threats include industrialization, urban waste, and siltation, but conservation efforts by the Maharashtra Forest Department and organizations like BNHS aim to protect this vital ecosystem.
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