Bird park cleared at flamingo haven in Bhandup, but experts flag ecological concerns
The park will include a 1.5-kilometre mangrove trail, three watchtowers, an information centre, and a designated car park to accommodate an expected influx of visitors. Officials say the project aims to strike a balance between public engagement and conservation by educating visitors about the region's biodiversity without disturbing the delicate wetland ecosystem.
Situated within the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), the Bhandup site is a biodiversity hotspot, home to both native and migratory birds, including flamingos, which seasonally feed and nest in the shallow lake near the pumping station. According to minutes of the MCZMA meeting, the lake's depth averages around two feet—ideal for wading birds—and the surrounding environment, enriched with algae, mosses, and fungi, attracts a variety of species. The area is also marked by the presence of salt pans, which draw salt-dependent bird species.
To minimise human interference, a concealed bird photography hide will be constructed, ensuring that birdwatchers and photographers can observe avifauna without disrupting their natural behaviour. Visitors will be required to leave their vehicles outside the site and walk to the park, where they will receive a guided orientation on the local ecosystem, including the workings of the Bhandup pumping station and the bird species inhabiting the region.
However, experts have flagged potential risks to the sanctuary's ecological balance. Dr Anish Andheria, a wildlife expert and MCZMA member, stressed the importance of conducting a carrying capacity study to determine how many visitors the site can sustainably host. 'A proper crowd management plan must be implemented to avoid over-tourism, which could disturb bird populations and their habitats,' the minutes quoted him as saying.
The Mangrove Cell's initiative comes even as another aviary is being planned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in nearby Nahur.
While the bird park seeks to protect and showcase Mumbai's fragile wetlands, other decisions cleared by the MCZMA may pose challenges for mangrove conservation. The authority has approved major high-voltage electric transmission lines in the extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including the 400kV Padgaon-Nagothane line for the JSW Dolvi Steel Plant, and the 132kV Dahanu-Boisar (MIDC) transmission line for Palghar.
The JSW Dolvi project, to be executed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL), is expected to boost industrial power supply in Raigad district. However, the minutes state that the line will affect approximately 112 mangroves and impact 18.22 hectares of mangrove land.
Similarly, the Dahanu-Boisar transmission line will cut through mangrove patches in Palghar district, raising concerns about further habitat loss in coastal Maharashtra.
Environmentalists have urged the state to ensure that compensatory afforestation and stringent safeguards are enforced before such infrastructure projects proceed, particularly in ecologically sensitive zones.
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Hindustan Times
02-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Bird park cleared at flamingo haven in Bhandup, but experts flag ecological concerns
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has cleared a proposal to develop a bird park at the Bhandup water pumping station, a thriving habitat for flamingos and other migratory birds along the Thane Creek. The project, spearheaded by the state forest department's Mangrove Cell, was approved at a meeting held in the second week of July. Bird park cleared at flamingo haven in Bhandup, but experts flag ecological concerns The park will include a 1.5-kilometre mangrove trail, three watchtowers, an information centre, and a designated car park to accommodate an expected influx of visitors. Officials say the project aims to strike a balance between public engagement and conservation by educating visitors about the region's biodiversity without disturbing the delicate wetland ecosystem. Situated within the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), the Bhandup site is a biodiversity hotspot, home to both native and migratory birds, including flamingos, which seasonally feed and nest in the shallow lake near the pumping station. According to minutes of the MCZMA meeting, the lake's depth averages around two feet—ideal for wading birds—and the surrounding environment, enriched with algae, mosses, and fungi, attracts a variety of species. The area is also marked by the presence of salt pans, which draw salt-dependent bird species. To minimise human interference, a concealed bird photography hide will be constructed, ensuring that birdwatchers and photographers can observe avifauna without disrupting their natural behaviour. Visitors will be required to leave their vehicles outside the site and walk to the park, where they will receive a guided orientation on the local ecosystem, including the workings of the Bhandup pumping station and the bird species inhabiting the region. However, experts have flagged potential risks to the sanctuary's ecological balance. Dr Anish Andheria, a wildlife expert and MCZMA member, stressed the importance of conducting a carrying capacity study to determine how many visitors the site can sustainably host. 'A proper crowd management plan must be implemented to avoid over-tourism, which could disturb bird populations and their habitats,' the minutes quoted him as saying. The Mangrove Cell's initiative comes even as another aviary is being planned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in nearby Nahur. While the bird park seeks to protect and showcase Mumbai's fragile wetlands, other decisions cleared by the MCZMA may pose challenges for mangrove conservation. The authority has approved major high-voltage electric transmission lines in the extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including the 400kV Padgaon-Nagothane line for the JSW Dolvi Steel Plant, and the 132kV Dahanu-Boisar (MIDC) transmission line for Palghar. The JSW Dolvi project, to be executed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL), is expected to boost industrial power supply in Raigad district. However, the minutes state that the line will affect approximately 112 mangroves and impact 18.22 hectares of mangrove land. Similarly, the Dahanu-Boisar transmission line will cut through mangrove patches in Palghar district, raising concerns about further habitat loss in coastal Maharashtra. Environmentalists have urged the state to ensure that compensatory afforestation and stringent safeguards are enforced before such infrastructure projects proceed, particularly in ecologically sensitive zones.
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Indian Express
Country's first mangrove park at Gorai set to open in next two months; entry won't be free
The country's first mangrove park, which is being constructed at Gorai at a cost of over Rs 33 crore, will have an entry fee, officials said. The park is in the final stages of construction and will be opened for the public in the next two months most likely before August 15, the officials added. The park, sprawling over 8 hectares in Gorai village, is being built by the Mangrove Cell of the state government. The park will comprise several elements that will enable visitors to walk through, experience and learn about the mangrove ecosystem and learn about its unique biodiversity. A key feature of the park is a 750-metre-long wooden boardwalk that traverses through mangroves. At the end of the walkway lies a viewing deck, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding creek. Similar to the newly opened nature trail in Malabar Hills, this elevated walkway was built without disturbing the mangrove ecosystem. 'We have sent a proposal to the state government to implement an entry fee. The revenue generated will be used on maintenance and upkeep of the park. The proposal is yet to be cleared by the government following which ticket rates will be fixed,' said a senior official from the state forest department. 'At present, the final stages of construction are in progress like polishing the surface, final painting works and setting up lighting and other ancillary details. We expect these works to be completed in the next one month. After that the park will be opened to the public,' the official said. Built at a cost of Rs 33.43 crore, construction began in 2021 and the project was earmarked as a forest reserve. For bird watchers, the project also has an 18-metre-tall watch tower, allowing visitors to observe the avian species that thrive in the area. The watchtower also offers expansive views of the mangroves and creek. Also, in a bid to impart vital education and recreation, the Mangrove Cell has also constructed a two-storey Nature Interpretation Centre. Here, visitors can read and learn about mangroves and its biodiversity through informative boards, panels, and books at the library and information centre. Additionally, the structure will feature a rooftop restaurant and a nature-themed gift shop. To ensure minimal impact on the fragile fauna and flora, the project was executed with eco-friendly materials, solar energy and elevated walkways. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former environment minister, took to his social media profile X and claimed the project was originally mooted by him. 'Hearing that this Mangrove Park in Gorai that we started work on in October 2021, will finally be open to everyone soon. Happy to see that just like the Tree Top walk in Malabar Hill, Urban Forest in Marol that I had the honour and privilege to initiate as Minister in the MVA, this too, something I kickstarted, will open up soon for people,' he said in his post.
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Indian Express
Changing City: India's first Mangrove Park getting ready in Mumbai's Gorai, final work under progess
Mangrove Park in Gorai — Mumbai's new green space and touted as the first-of-its-kind facility in India — is slated to open its doors to the public in July. About the Gorai Mangrove Park The park project, sprawling over 8 hectares in Gorai village, features several elements that will enable visitors to walk through the ecosystem and learn about the biodiversity found within mangroves and coastal systems. According to officials, no trees were hampered during the construction works, which were carried out with an eco-sensitive approach. The project has been developed by the Maharashtra Forest Department's Mangrove Cell. Specifications, features of the project A key feature within the park is a 750-metre-long wooden boardwalk that traverses through the mangroves. At the end of this walkway lies a viewing deck wherein visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding creek. Similar to the newly opened nature trail in Malabar Hills, this elevated walkway was built without disturbing the ecosystem. Catering to the bird watchers, the project also comprises an 18-meter watch tower allowing visitors to observe the avian species that thrive in the area. This watchtower also offers expansive views of the mangroves and creek. In a bid to impart vital education and recreation, the Mangrove Cell has also constructed a two-story Nature Interpretation Centre. Here visitors can read and learn about the mangrove and its biodiversity through informative boards, panels, and books at the library and the information centre. Additionally, the structure will feature a rooftop restaurant and a nature-themed gift shop. To ensure minimal impact on the fragile fauna and flora, the project was executed through the use of eco-friendly materials, solar energy, and elevated walkways. Cost and timeline The entire project has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 33.43 crore. The construction began in 2021, with the project already earmarked as a forest reserve. Initially slated for inauguration by World Environment Day, June 5, this year, the opening has been postponed to July due to the final stages of construction. Administration speaks: 'Presently, some finishing works and internal exhibits are pending. The entire pending work is expected to be completed in a month's time, when we are eying to open it. Although the costs are yet to be finalised, the park is likely to have a ticket system. The objective behind this is not revenue generation but to recover the costs for maintenance. This project, with its features of a 750-metre boardwalk, watchtower, and nature interpretation centre, will enable citizens to enjoy the views of mangroves and creeks while also gaining information about the mangrove ecosystem and its biodiversity,' said S V Ramarao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell.
