Mumbai’s Gorai Mangrove Park Set to Open on May 1, Aiming to Boost Conservation Awareness
Mumbai’s much-awaited Gorai Mangrove Park is expected to open on May 1, marking a major step in environmental conservation and education. Spanning eight hectares in Gorai village, the park has been declared a reserve forest and is designed to provide a unique blend of ecological preservation and public engagement.
A New Hub for Conservation and Learning
At the heart of the park is the Nature Conservation and Interpretation Centre, a 1,517 sq m facility built adjacent to a dumping ground. The centre will serve as an educational hub, raising awareness about the importance of mangroves and their ecosystems. Remarkably, the structure has been expanded without cutting any mangrove trees, ensuring minimal environmental disruption.
One of the park’s key attractions is a 700-metre-long Wooden Boardwalk, allowing visitors to experience the rich biodiversity of the mangrove forest without harming the natural surroundings. A watchtower will offer panoramic views of the ecosystem, further enhancing the experience for nature lovers and researchers.
Sustainability at its Core
Designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, the Gorai Mangrove Park incorporates rooftop solar panels with a 120 kW capacity, covering over 80% of the centre’s energy needs. Additionally, a self-sustaining sewage system has been installed to minimize environmental impact.
The park also features a steel cantilevering structure, reducing the use of concrete and further supporting its eco-friendly approach. The entire project, implemented by the Maharashtra Forest Department’s Mangrove Cell, has been developed with a budget of ₹23.63 crore.
Inauguration Plans and Expected Footfall
According to S V Ramarao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangrove Protection Cell), the work is on track to be completed by the end of April. However, minor delays in the approach road construction may push the inauguration to June 5, World Environment Day.
Once operational, the park is expected to attract around 400 visitors daily to the interpretation centre and 500 visitors to the Mangrove Trail.
By offering an immersive experience in Mumbai’s mangrove ecosystem, the Gorai Mangrove Park is poised to become a model of sustainable development and conservation awareness in the city.
