Nature enthusiasts and green activists from all over India are in shock at the death of celebrated naturalist, writer, and conservationist Sunjoy Monga, affectionately termed the “Birdman” of Mumbai. Monga died on Wednesday at the age of 63 years, leaving behind a legacy of rich wildlife conservation, education, and awareness.
Monga frequently called Sanjay Gandhi National Park his own “City Forest” — a site that was one of his favorite birding spots. His abiding passion for nature translated into his relentless campaigning to save wetlands, forests, and biodiversity in Mumbai and elsewhere.
In 2006–07, Monga was the first green campaigner to sound the warning over the loss of almost 85% of Uran’s wetlands and called for citizens as well as the authorities to act. He cautioned, “Pull up your socks and save the remaining wetlands — or the flamingos might vanish forever from our coast.”
An Inspiration to the Environmental Community
Debi Goenka of Conservation Action Trust paid homage to Sunjoy Monga, asserting, “I knew Monga for almost 50 years. His passion for wetlands, forests, and grasslands had led him down the path of Nature, where he observed, studied, and recorded wildlife. It is a great loss for all of us.”
Save Navi Mumbai Mangroves and Wetlands’ Sunil Agarwal also recalled Monga’s tireless commitment: “Monga belonged to our team and taught us how to protect and save our mangroves and wetlands, which are still under threat by proposals to build more concrete jungles.”
Monga, who was fighting cancer, did not cease to engage in birding and nature trails, especially motivating kids through his Mumbai Bird Races, which he initiated 20 years ago.
Mentor, Teacher, Pioneering Spirit
Wildlife scientist and arachnologist Javed Ahmed remembered, “Sunjoy always treated people as equals, regardless of age. He was always modest and never afraid to ask or seek knowledge. He was my guru.
Monga’s influence was also seen in the education department. His initiatives — ‘Chhoton ka Funda – Hara Banao Project’ and ‘Young Rangers’ — benefited more than 100 schools in Mumbai, imparting knowledge on the value of nature and the environment to thousands of children.
B N Kumar of NatConnect Foundation recalled his zeal: “He was an inspiration for others to save different wetlands and green forests.”
