12 August,2025 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
The 740-metre-long boardwalk was made without cutting a single mangrove tree. FILE PICS/SATEJ SHINDE
Tourists and nature lovers eagerly awaiting the opening of the mangrove park in Gorai will have to wait a little longer as the work of installation of exhibits in the Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) and giving finishing touches is in progress. The park was expected to be opened by August, but now will likely open in September, after the monsoon.
Once operational, the mangrove park will have a boardwalk passing through the mangrove forest area along with a watchtower to observe bird activity, which will help educate and create awareness about the importance of the mangrove ecosystem and biodiversity that is found in mangrove forests.
An official from Mangrove Foundation said, "The work of the boardwalk is complete and final touches are being given. The installation of exhibits in the NIC is also in progress, and we are expecting to complete the work by the end of this month. After that, we will approach the forest minister and the inauguration date will be finalised." Earlier, the park was expected to be opened by May 1, but as work on the parking facility outside the mangrove park and NIC was pending, the opening date was pushed ahead.
The watchtower facing Gorai creek
The mangrove park is spread across 8 hectares, and the key attraction is the 740-metre-long boardwalk that has been made without cutting a single mangrove tree. Once operational, mangrove trails and bird observations will be organised with the help of naturalists who will educate visitors about the mangrove ecosystem and biodiversity.
The park will also have a touch-based system that will provide information on the flora and fauna of mangrove ecosystems. The project has been approved by the Maharashtra State Eco-Tourism Board and has been designated as an âeco-tourism project'.
Located along several coastlines in tropical and subtropical areas, mangroves are a bridge between terrestrial and marine environments. Mumbai has over 50 sq km of mangroves - probably the highest of any major city in the world. Mangroves are also extremely effective guards for coastal cities and marine ecosystems, which was first realised only after the 2004 tsunami and 2005 Mumbai floods.
Located in Gorai, the park spans 0.6675 hectares within an 8-hectare mangrove ecosystem. The project, with an estimated cost of R33.43 crore, aims to raise awareness about the crucial biodiversity found in mangrove and coastal ecosystems. The project has been designed and built with an eco-sensitive approach, ensuring minimal impact on the fragile mangrove ecosystem.
According to officials, every aspect of the park - from planning and material selection thas been carefully considered to align with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. Not a single mangrove tree was cut down during the construction; instead, they have been thoughtfully incorporated into the design, ensuring that the park enhances and protects the natural habitat rather than disrupting it.
Salient features
Nature Interpretation Centre: A building featuring a rooftop restaurant, gift shop, workshop rooms, a library, an audio-visual room, and an information centre. The centre will also use solar power system to generate 80% of its required electricity.
Broadway: A 740-metre-long wooden walkway through the mangroves will offer visitors an immersive experience without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
Viewing deck: A specially designed deck at the end of the boardwalk, providing panoramic views of the surrounding creek.
Birdwatching tower: An 18-metre tower for avid birdwatchers to observe the diverse avian species inhabiting the area.
