Dia Mirza says 6-year-old son Avyaan knows flamingo migration, questions mangrove destruction
Mumbai, March 17
Actress and environmental advocate Dia Mirza, took to her social media account, to reveal that her six-year-old son Avyaan Azaad Rekhi is already well-versed with the migration patterns of flamingos.
She highlighted that the little boy also understands the importance of protecting mangrove ecosystems, and questions on the cruelty upon them being cut.
Taking to her social media account, Dia shared a series of pictures from a visit to the flamingo habitat in Airoli, Navi Mumbai.
One of the pictures shows three children sitting on a boat, gazing at the calm waters and birds.
Other pictures capture large flocks of flamingos and migratory birds gathered along the water, while another click shows children and activists holding placards during an awareness protest about mangrove conservation.
Alongside the pictures, Dia wrote, "The seed of love is sown through connection. This was Avyaan's third visit to Airoli. He knows where the flamingos come from, why they return each year, how long they stay. He has watched them, learnt about the mangroves, and understands that this place is sacred. He loves it. And now many of his friends do too!"
She added, "As citizens come together to peacefully oppose the destruction of over 45,000 mangrove trees, I find myself asking: what will it take to understand that destroying living ecosystems is self-destruction?"
"Mangroves are not just trees. They protect our coasts from flooding, store vast amounts of carbon, support fisheries, filter pollutants, and sustain biodiversity. These are not "services", they are life-support systems."
She added, "Afforestation cannot compensate for this loss. A plantation cannot replace an old, living ecosystem built over decades. Survival rates are low, biodiversity is lost, and the complex relationships between soil, water, and life cannot simply be recreated."
She added how her son sometimes questions the cruelty over deforestation of mangroves leading to environmental hazards.
"In Avyaan's words: "How can they be so cruel?" To destroy what protects us... is to dismantle our own future."In one picture, a large gathering of flamingos can be seen standing in shallow water, while in another, hundreds of birds take flight over the wetlands.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Absolutely agree with her. The destruction of 45,000 mangrove trees in Navi Mumbai is a disaster waiting to happen. These wetlands protect us from floods and support so much life. We need stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
While I admire the sentiment, I have to respectfully question if celebrity activism sometimes oversimplifies complex development issues. Mumbai needs infrastructure. The challenge is balancing growth with conservation, not just stopping all projects.
"How can they be so cruel?" – This question from a child says it all. We are destroying the very systems that keep us safe for short-term gains. The flamingo migration is a beautiful natural event we are privileged to witness. We must protect it for future generations.
It's great to see this issue getting attention. The Airoli wetlands are a treasure. But awareness alone isn't enough. We need more citizens to actively participate in local governance and hold authorities accountable for these destructive clearances.
The point about afforestation not compensating for the loss of an old ecosystem is crucial. You can't just plant new trees and call it even. The biodiversity and complex relationships take decades to build. Once gone, they're gone for good.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.