Maharashtra govt. to introduce Mangrove Conservation Centre and Mangrove Park in Gorai

The government of Maharashtra has decided to set up Mumbai Mangroves Conservation Unit (MMCU) and Mangrove Park in Gorai (Borivali). The park will be developed across 8 ha (19.76 acres) off Mumbai Suburban district at a total cost of INR 26.97 crore. The main objective of the project is attracting, engaging and educating people regarding the significance of the mangrove ecosystem.

The prime elements of the park are a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), a Mangrove Trail, Bird Observatory and Kayak Trail, among others. The government will also develop a dedicated App -based Destination Information System to make it more visitor-friendly. Not only this, the park will also offer a touch-based information system, a virtual reality on the flora and fauna of Mangrove ecosystems.
The Mangrove trail consists of an 800 m long walkway that will take visitors into the mangroves. The Maharashtra State Eco-tourism Board has already approved the project and named it a ‘Eco-tourism project.’

Aaditya Thackeray, Minister of Environment, Tourism and Protocol, Protocol of Maharashtra said, “Mumbai is the only megacity that has over 50 kms of Mangroves coverage. We are committed to its conservation and to the creation of awareness of this natural wealth. Furthering this goal, we commenced works for the first-ever Mangrove Park in Gorai.”
The government is hoping to complete the project by January 2023.