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Indian Express
4 days ago
- 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.
Hans India
04-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
54 leopards in Mumbai forests credited for highest density in world
A survey by Wildlife Conservation Society-India and the Maharashtra Forest Department has confirmed the presence of at least 54 leopards in Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and adjoining landscapes, an official statement said on Sunday. The release of the findings on May 3 - World Leopard Day - confirms one of the highest leopard densities recorded anywhere in the world. The survey, conducted between February and June 2024, spanned SGNP, Aarey Milk Colony, and the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS). Anita Patil, Conservator of Forests & Park, Director, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, said: "The continued presence of these magnificent leopards in such a densely populated urban region speaks volumes about nature's resilience and the importance of conserving the green spaces they depend on." "Scientific monitoring exercises like this are vital for understanding the status of our wildlife and planning informed conservation actions," said Patil. Teams deployed camera traps at 57 locations in SGNP and 33 locations in TWLS. Forest Department staff were closely involved throughout, with specialised training sessions conducted to build their capacity in The project was funded and supported by the Maharashtra Forest Department, among others. In SGNP and Aarey Milk Colony, 54 individual leopards were identified, including 36 females, 16 males, and 2 undetermined individuals. Four leopard cubs were documented during the survey. In TWLS, three adult male leopards were identified. Remarkably, three female leopards first photo-captured in 2015 were re-captured again in 2024, demonstrating over nine years of survival within SGNP, said the statement. Camera traps also recorded a rich diversity of mammals including chital, sambar, jungle cats, and palm civets and rare finds like mouse deer and rusty spotted cats, it said. During the exercise, a significant incident highlighted the challenges faced by Mumbai's leopards in navigating an increasingly urbanised landscape. "A male leopard, initially photographed inside TWLS, travelled approximately 9 km across dense human settlements, major highways, and railway lines to reach Vasai Fort -- a testament to the adaptability and resilience of these big cats," said the statement. Beyond research, the project also emphasised capacity building, training more than 50 Forest Department staff in field deployment techniques, ensuring that future monitoring efforts will continue to be community-driven and locally sustained, it said.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
NGT asks authorities to submit report on visitors' policy ahead of fireflies festival
Ahead of the fireflies' festival to be held between May 17 to June 22, at various locations in Maharashtra, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) instructed the Maharashtra Forest Department and tourism departments to submit a report on the visitor policy for this festival. Ganesh Borhade, a resident of Nashik who is active in wildlife conservation in this area, has recently submitted an application, stating that due to the fireflies festival being held at Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary, the protected area faces significant ecological disturbances due to unregulated tourism during the festival, such as artificial lighting from flashlights, mobile phones, and vehicle headlights, which disrupt the fireflies' natural mating behaviour, leading to a decline in their population. The application further mentioned that the activity is being conducted under eco-tourism and ought to have been governed as per the 'Eco-Tourism Master Plan'. Various private operators are permitted by the Forest Department to establish tents and camping facilities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary. A set of guidelines was issued by the Range Forest Officer (RFO), Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary and Maharashtra Forest Department in May 2024, which was inadequate for the protection of Fireflies. Hence, the tribunal is requested to frame detailed guidelines for the protection and conservation of fireflies. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the NGT on April 17 issued an order directing the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Directorate of Tourism to submit their reply affidavits within four weeks. Speaking about the development, Borhade said, 'This particular application was made with regards to Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary, however, there is a mention of other forest areas as well, where such festivals are being held. Hence, it is applicable to all those places. Currently, the guidelines for such festivals are made at the local level by the Range Forest Officers.'
