Mumbai: Mangrove conservation centre, park to come up in Gorai

Aaditya Thackeray. File Pic

In order to create awareness for the protection and conservation of Mangrove forests, the Mumbai Mangroves Conservation Unit (MMCU) of the mangrove cell has proposed the setting up of a mangrove conservation centre and Mangrove park across 8 Ha. in Gorai (Borivli) of Mumbai suburban district at a total cost of 26.97 crore.

According to a press release issued by the Office of Environment & Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray's office, the project has been conceptualised on the themes of attracting, engage and educating various stakeholders of the society.

"The main aim of developing a mangrove park at Gorai is to educate the citizens of Mumbai about the significance of the mangrove ecosystem and to make the visitors understand the importance of the mangrove ecosystem. The project is expected to be completed by January 2023.", the press release stated.

The components of the park include a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), a Mangrove trail along with various pause points, bird observatory, Kayak Trail connecting the pause points through the mangrove trail and development of a dedicated app-based destination information system.

The park will offer a touch-based information system with information in virtual reality on the flora and fauna of mangrove ecosystems. The mangrove trail comprises of an 800 m long walkway, proposed for taking visitors right into the mangroves. The project has been approved by the Maharashtra State Eco-Tourism Board and has been designated as an ‘Eco-Tourism Project.' It has been granted CRZ clearances by the environment department and is being funded by the DPDC of the Mumbai suburban district. IIT Bombay is being appointed as the third-party technical auditor for the project to ensure proper design and construction of the same.

"Mumbai is the only megacity that has over 50 km of mangroves coverage. We are committed to its conservation and to the creation of awareness of this natural wealth. Furthering this goal, we commenced works for the first-ever mangrove park in Gorai", said Aaditya Thackeray.

Visitors to the conservation centre and park can understand how a mangrove ecosystem is beneficial to us, the need to conserve the same and the measures and policies for mangrove conservation. The project is designed such that there will be no mangrove tree cutting. This will help people to realize the ecosystem surrounded by and to help in a positive way to conserve the mangroves.