19 April,2025 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Located along the Mithi River, the Maharashtra Nature Park at Sion-Bandra Link Road in Dharavi, is a 37-acre green space
To mark the Earth Day 2025, the Maharashtra Nature Park Society (MNPS) has planned a range of eco-friendly events including botanical walks, wildlife photography exhibition, bird watching and more at Mumbai's Nature Park.
Located along the Mithi River, the Maharashtra Nature Park at Sion-Bandra Link Road in Dharavi, is a 37-acre green space. It is now recognised as a biodiversity hotspot in the city and is home to over 125 species of birds, 85 species of butterflies, 384 species of plants, and a wide variety of reptiles and insects.
Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22. The event also marks the Foundation Day of Maharashtra Nature Park, which was opened to the public on the same day in 1994.
To celebrate the occasion, the park will host a series of nature-centric events on 20 and 22 April 2025.
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An official statement said that Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, has planned to organise a range of free, eco-friendly events aimed at increasing public awareness and encouraging people to connect with nature.
Mukherjee said, "In the face of rapid urbanisation, green spaces like Maharashtra Nature Park act as lungs that protect our biodiversity. The events planned to mark Earth Day and the park's foundation day allow citizens to reconnect with nature and foster broader environmental awareness. Such initiatives are crucial in guiding us toward a more sustainable and balanced future."
Events Planned-
Bird Watching Tour
A special bird watching session is scheduled for April 20 at 7:30 am, promising a delightful experience for nature lovers. Located along the Mithi River, this green patch hosts over 50 bird species including the Paradise Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Indian Robin, and Tailorbird.
Nature Walk
A guided nature walk will also take place on April 20 at 8 am, offering participants a chance to engage directly with nature. Once a dumping ground, the 37-acre space has been transformed by the MMRDA into an ecological haven. The walk will include insights into birds, butterflies, medicinal plants, the zodiac-themed Nakshatra Van, and overall biodiversity.
Indian Wildlife Biodiversity Photography Exhibition
On April 22, an exhibition on India's wildlife biodiversity will be hosted in the park's art gallery. The exhibition will display approximately 150 selected photographs taken by renowned wildlife photographers from across the country. Featured subjects will include reptiles, marine biodiversity, birds, butterflies, and indigenous flowering trees - providing a rich visual narrative of India's natural wealth.
Street Play
On the same day, students of Rishi Valmiki Eco School will present a street play focused on the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (Maldhok), an endangered bird species.
Free Sapling Distribution
Amidst the ongoing wave of urbanisation, a free sapling distribution drive will be conducted starting April 22, lasting for a week. A total of 500 saplings - including flowering, ornamental, forest, and medicinal plants - will be distributed under the principle of "One Family - One Plant."
"All events are free and open to the public," the statement said.
