Sena (UBT) demands immediate opening of the mangrove park

Shiv Sena (UBT) workers stage a protest outside the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mangrove Park in Borivli West on Wednesday. PICS/SARTHAK MEHTA

Following the latest deferral of the inauguration of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mangrove Park in Gorai, Borivli West, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers staged a protest outside the open space on Wednesday.

Protesters alleged that, despite the work being completed, the park - which was to be inaugurated on May 28 - had unnecessarily been kept closed and demanded that it be opened immediately. Due to the presence of police personnel, protesters couldn't enter the park.

Borivli residents who were aware of the park's existence claimed that it appeared to be ready for visitors for at least six months, while forest department officials stated that all work had been completed since March.

BJP legislator Sanjay Upadhyay, representing the Borivli Assembly Constituency, had announced the latest deferral via a post on X on May 22, citing incomplete project work. Speaking with mid-day on Wednesday, he said that some rectification work was pending, after which the inauguration would take place.

About mangrove park

Project name: Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Kandalvan Park
Location: Gorai 3, Borivli West
Status: Ready, but not opened
Estimated cost: Rs 33.43 crore
Project aim: To create awareness about mangrove biodiversity and conservation
Area: 8 hectares
Facilities: 740 metres broadwalk (built without cutting mangroves), experiences (guided trails with trained naturalists), and a coastal species bird observatory

Cop Speak

Kiran V Surse, senior inspector, MHB Colony police station
Expecting the protest on Wednesday, we had secured the park entry under the guidance of ACP Santosh Dhanaote. Around 80 police personnel, including 25 officers and police constables, were deployed for security arrangements. Law and order was maintained with no disruptions.

Official Speak

Deepak P Khade, divisional forest officer, Mumbai Mangrove Conservation Unit
We have not announced any inauguration date. The project is complete now. We are waiting for the inauguration date and will announce it once we receive it.

MLA Speak

Sanjay Upadhyay, BJP leader, and Borivli MLA
The park's inauguration is delayed due to some pending work. I had inspected and suggested some rectifications to the park around May 20. As soon as this work is completed, we will decide on an inauguration date.

Local Speak

Bablu Rai,50, local business owner
I have been running my business in the area for 25 years. Over the last six months, we heard from park staff at least four times that it would be opened. It's a public park and shouldn't be left like this due to formalities. It should be opened promptly.

Mistry, 65, Gorai resident
I am a resident here for 22 years. I have been hearing about a park being opened near the dumping ground for over a decade now. I find the protesters' demand sensible. Why do we need to wait for some bigshot for the inauguration…

Himanshu Kudtarkar, 36, Charkop resident
The park has been ready for almost a year, but they aren't inaugurating it, maybe due to some political reasons.

Manoj Shinde, autorickshaw driver
I am not very aware about the park, but I know it's there and some work is going on for the last six to seven months.