14 October,2026 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
The Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mangrove Park in Gorai, which is yet to be opened to the public. File pics/Satej Shinde
More than six months after the work on Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mangrove Park in Gorai, Mumbai's first such open space, was said to be completed, the facility is yet to be opened.
The prolonged delay has left environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts questioning the hold-up.
Nature lovers and environmentalists are also asking whether the opening was delayed because VVIPs don't have time to inaugurate it.
Environmentalist Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti said, "Just because a politician or a minister doesn't have time to inaugurate a park, it doesn't mean that it should remain shut and inaccessible to people. After all, it was built with public money, and it should be opened to the public immediately. And if not, people should go ahead and start visiting the park; there is no need to take any permission or wait for any divine intervention from the political side.
Just to please the politicians, this park has been languishing for over a year now. It is really shocking and unacceptable. Why should citizens be denied their right to use a facility built with public funds?"
Nature lover and activist Mili Shetty said, "Our local MLA Sanjay Upadhyay visited my house on September 29 and told me that he was trying his best to open the mangrove park at the earliest. However, there has been no response so far. I have also been writing to the CMO, and was told to approach the secretary's office at Mantralaya. I also spoke to Mangrove Cell chief NR Praveen, who said he had been following up on my request, but there has been no progress."
On March 9, mid-day reported on its website that Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray had written to Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, urging him to inaugurate the park at the earliest. During a visit by mid-day to the site, which spans eight hectares, many months ago, it was observed that all the work appeared complete, including finishing touches, installation of CCTV cameras, and the setup of a souvenir shop. Sources from the Mangrove Cell told mid-day that the work had been completed in April
Despite repeated attempts, Mangrove Cell chief NR Praveen could not be reached for comment and did not respond to calls or text messages. This reporter also attempted to contact Range Forest Officer Sheetal Nagrale, but she was unavailable for comment.
Rs 33.43CR
Estimated cost of project
Created at an estimated cost of '33.43 crore, the park has been developed to promote awareness about mangrove biodiversity and conservation. Mumbai has over 50 sq km of mangroves, among the highest for major cities.
. A 740-metre boardwalk built without cutting mangroves
. Guided mangrove trails with trained naturalists
. Bird observatory for coastal and mangrove species
. Touch-based VR system on flora and fauna
