Opening of Gorai Mangrove Park delayed again despite work nearing completion

Nature lovers and environmentalists are questioning whether the longdelayed opening of Mumbairsquos muchanticipated Gorai Mangrove Park is being deliberately held back for political mileage ahead of the upcoming BMC elections Originally slated to open in August and then in September for nature enthusiasts postmonsoon the Rs 3343crore park remains closed mdash even though officials admit the project is nearly completeStilted boardwalk under construction at the Gorai Mangrove Park siteSpread across 06675 hectares within an eighthectare mangrove ecosystem the park features a 740metrelong boardwalk that allows visitors to experience the mangroves up close along with a Nature Interpretation Centre NIC viewing decks and a birdwatching tower A senior official from the Forest Departmentrsquos Mangrove Cell speaking on condition of anonymity said ldquoWork on the ambitious Mangrove Park project is almost complete with only minor finishing touches remaining The decision regarding the parkrsquos inauguration will be taken at a higher administrative levelrdquoLights installed along the stilted boardwalk at Gorai Mangrove ParkSources told midday that the issue was informally discussed last month during a government event at Sanjay Gandhi National Park where local public representatives from the ruling party in the BorivliGorai area reportedly requested officials to schedule the inauguration in December Environmentalists however see the delay as politically motivated ldquoWersquove been hearing about the opening for months mdash first August then September and now maybe Decemberrdquo said Stalin D environmentalist and director of Vanashakti ldquoIt seems authorities are deliberately delaying it They could be timing the inauguration closer to the BMC elections mdash perhaps even waiting for the Prime Ministerrsquos availability to boost political opticsrdquo he addedldquoWersquove been hearing about the inauguration of the Gorai Mangrove Park for several months now but it still hasnrsquot openedrdquo said Environmentalist Debit Goenka ldquoWhen I visited Gorai in September I was informed that most of the work had already been completed with only minor tasks pending Citizens have been eagerly waiting for the parkrsquos opening mdash it should not be delayed any further or timed to suit the convenience of any politicianrdquoWooden boardwalk nearing completion at Gorai Mangrove Park PicsSatej ShindeEarlier the parkrsquos opening was expected by May 1 but pending work on the parking facility and the NIC pushed it ahead Despite repeated assurances it continues to remain shut Once operational the park will feature guided mangrove trails and bird observation tours led by naturalists to educate visitors about the mangrove ecosystem and its biodiversity The park will also include interactive touchbased systems providing information about mangrove flora and fauna The project approved by the Maharashtra State EcoTourism Board has been designated an ecotourism projectMumbai with over 50 sq km of mangroves mdash the highest among any major city in the world mdash relies on these coastal forests as natural barriers protecting against erosion flooding and storm surges The importance of mangroves was fully realised after the 2004 tsunami and the 2005 Mumbai floods when their role as natural buffers became evidentOfficials said every aspect of the park mdash from planning and material selection to construction mdash was designed with sustainability in mind Not a single mangrove tree was cut during construction instead structures were built around existing vegetation ensuring that the park enhances rather than disturbs the natural habitatSalient featuresNature Interpretation Centre NICA twostorey facility featuring a rooftop restaurant naturethemed gift shop library workshop rooms audiovisual hall and information centre It will be powered by a solar system generating 8037 of its electricity needsBoardwalkA 740metrelong wooden walkway meanders through the mangroves allowing visitors an immersive experience without disturbing the ecosystemViewing DeckA panoramic viewing platform overlooking the surrounding creekBirdWatching TowerAn 18metrehigh tower offering views of the diverse bird species inhabiting the areaRs 3343 CRTotal cost of the project