Mumbai: Gorai mangrove park will now open only next month

The 740-metre-long boardwalk passing through the dense mangrove forest. File Pics/Satej Shinde

Mumbaikars and nature lovers who have been eagerly waiting to witness the breathtaking view of the Gorai Creek from a watchtower erected in the creek, and to walk along a 740-metre-long boardwalk passing through the mangrove forest, will have to wait at least one more month. The opening of the Gorai mangrove park has been delayed as finishing work is still pending. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 33.43 crore, was initially expected to open on May 1.

An official from the Mangrove Cell of the Maharashtra Forest Department said, "The work on the ambitious mangrove park project at Gorai is progressing at a fast pace. Final touches are being given, and the installation of signage is also underway. If things proceed as planned, the entire work will be completed in a month's time, following which the park will be opened to the public."

Watchtower facing the Gorai creek

On March 1, mid-day had published a report titled Mumbaikars can walk through Gorai's mangrove forest from May 1. The Mangrove Park is spread across eight hectares. Once operational, the park will offer mangrove trails and a bird observatory. These will be organised with the help of naturalists, who will educate visitors about the mangrove ecosystem and its biodiversity.

The park will feature a touch-based information system providing virtual reality content on the flora and fauna of mangrove ecosystems. Mumbai is home to over 50 km² of mangroves - likely the highest among major cities worldwide. These forests are also highly effective natural defenders of coastal cities and marine ecosystems, a fact that was widely recognized only after the disasters of the 2004 tsunami and the 2005 floods.

The project has been designed and constructed with an eco-sensitive approach to ensure minimal impact on the fragile mangrove environment. According to officials, every aspect of the park from planning and material selection to construction methods has been carefully curated to align with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. Not a single mangrove tree was cut during the construction. Instead, they have been seamlessly incorporated into the design, ensuring the park enhances and protects the natural habitat rather than disturbing it.