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.
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