As Mumbai’s skyline glows brighter with every passing night, the city’s artificial lights are casting shadows on its natural ecosystems. Light pollution a growing environmental concern is quietly disrupting the lives of animals, birds and aquatic creatures in and around the city. From trees struggling to rest under bright streetlights to nocturnal species losing their way, the impact is profound and troubling.
Disrupting Natural Rhythms:
Artificial lighting interferes with the circadian rhythms of animals and birds. For nocturnal creatures, the glow of streetlights, billboards and high-rise illuminations mimics daylight disturbing of their feeding, mating and sleeping habits. As reported, researchers observed significant changes in the behavior of nocturnal mammals including bats who rely on darkness to hunt in Mumbai. The constant light makes them vulnerable to predators and reduces their ability to find food.
Bats which play a vital role in controlling insect populations have been observed avoiding overly lit areas leading to ecological imbalances.
Predatory mammals such as stray dogs or wild cats in forested zones bordering the city also experience disruption. They either avoid lighted areas due to fear or become overly exposed making them more susceptible to dangers like vehicle collisions or attacks.
Similarly migratory birds passing through Mumbai face challenges due to the city’s “skyglow.” Brightly lit structures disorient birds leading to collisions and exhaustion. Evidence suggests that birds lose their ability to navigate effectively as the artificial light drowns out natural cues like moonlight and starlight.
Impact on Insects and Aquatic Life:
Insects, essential pollinators are also victims of light pollution. Moths and other insects are often drawn to artificial lights leaving plants unpollinated and disrupting food chains. This has cascading effects impacting birds and other animals that rely on these insects as a primary food source.
Mumbai’s coastal areas are not spared either. Aquatic species, particularly fish and turtles are affected by the over illumination near water bodies. Hatchling turtles for instance in Mumbai instinctively follow the moon’s reflection on water to find their way to the sea. However, artificial lights mislead them increasing their mortality rates. Similarly, fish are drawn toward light sources making them easy prey and disrupting their ecosystems.
Trees Under Stress:
Trees too bear the brunt of light pollution. Bright streetlights disrupt their natural processes such as photosynthesis and dormancy. Research indicates that continuous exposure to artificial light can stunt growth and weaken the immune systems of trees making them more susceptible to diseases and pests.
A Call for Change:
Experts emphasize the urgent need to mitigate light pollution. Measures such as shielding streetlights, using motion-sensor lights and adopting low-intensity LED lighting can reduce the adverse effects. Residents can also play a role by dimming unnecessary outdoor lights and drawing curtains to limit indoor light spillage.
The environmental cost of unchecked urbanization is steep. Mumbai’s biodiversity, crucial to its ecological balance is under threat due to light pollution. Understanding the gravity of this silent crisis and taking collective action can help protect the city’s animals, birds and aquatic species for generations to come.