India’s First Mangrove Park In Mumbai's Gorai Nears Completion, Likely To Open By Mid-August With Entry Fee Planned
Mumbai: India’s first dedicated mangrove park, currently under construction in Mumbai’s Gorai village, is in its final stages and is expected to open to the public by mid-August, officials from the Maharashtra forest department confirmed. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 33.43 crore, the project spans 8 hectares and is being developed by the state government's Mangrove Cell to raise awareness about mangrove ecosystems and their biodiversity.
Once open, the park will charge an entry fee, a proposal that has been submitted to the state government. “The ticket rates are yet to be finalised. The revenue collected will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the park,” said a senior forest official, as quoted by the Indian Express. The approval for the entry fee is currently pending.
The park’s centerpiece is a 750-metre-long elevated wooden boardwalk that meanders through dense mangrove patches, ending in a scenic viewing deck overlooking the creek. Inspired by the Elevated Walkway in Malabar Hill, the boardwalk was constructed using eco-friendly materials and designed to minimize impact on the mangrove habitat.
The park also includes an 18-metre watchtower for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, providing panoramic views of the mangrove forest and opportunities to observe local and migratory bird species.
In addition to recreational features, the park houses a two-storey Nature Interpretation Centre equipped with educational displays, informative panels, and a small library focused on mangrove biodiversity. It aims to serve as an interactive learning hub for students, researchers, and nature lovers.
The facility will also include a rooftop café and a nature-themed gift shop, offering a mix of leisure and environmental engagement. Solar energy will power the park's operations, while pathways and structures have been designed to be elevated and non-intrusive to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Construction began in 2021, and the project is classified as a forest reserve. Final touches like painting, lighting and landscaping are currently underway.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former environment minister Aaditya Thackeray claimed credit for initiating the project during his tenure. “Hearing that the Mangrove Park in Gorai that we started work on in October 2021 will finally open soon. Happy to see yet another project I had the honour of launching coming to life,” he posted on social media, earlier this month. The Gorai Mangrove Park is expected to become a major eco-tourism destination while promoting conservation awareness among the public.
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