Mangrove walk in Nerul today

NAVI MUMBAI: The month-long celebrations of World Wetlands Day (February 2) continue in the city with awareness drives, walks and other green initiatives.
In an attempt to encourage school and college students to take environment concerns seriously, United Way, an NGO in association with iNature Foundation has organised a free mangrove walk at Talawe wetlands in Nerul on Sunday.
These trails will be held every Sunday during this month and more often if the demand increases.
With no costs, the organisers say the initiative is both for awareness and information. The theme this year was ‘Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future’ and this initiative is part of Mission Mangrove, a project that helps participants to learn and understand about mangroves, waders and wetlands.
The trail starts at 8am and this area has been chosen particularly since it is an ideal spot where mangroves are found in plenty in Navi Mumbai.
As a result a number of migratory birds can be spotted here as well during this season.
“The mangroves work as a protection to townships such as Navi Mumbai against natural calamities such as cyclones, storms, floods and heavy rains and wind. For this they need to be protected, for they in turn protect our fragile coastline," said a volunteer.
The problem occurs when the mangroves are polluted and strewn with garbage, debris and plastics. While much of it may be thrown back into the sea, ecology damage is already done. “In addiiton to preventing this, the fresh water lakes and ponds which are still unpolluted need to be protected," she added.