A Walk Among The Mangroves: Mumbai’s Newest Eco-attraction Opens Soon

Mumbai — the business capital of India and home to the Bollywood industry — is an urbanscape decked with high rises and expansive motorways. Located on the Arabian Sea coastline, with a large part of the city constructed on land reclaimed from the sea, Mumbai is no stranger to floods. 

The 2005 floods were perhaps the most devastating deluge the city had seen. That year, on July 26, a cloudburst claimed almost 700 lives. Over 20,000 cars were damaged, and over 24,000 animals died. Today, July 26 is observed as the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. But what’s the connection between mangroves and flooding? 

Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones — areas where land meets the sea; the Mumbai coastline, too, is home to a vibrant mangrove ecosystem. And these trees are nature’s defence against flood-related calamities. Their dense, intricate root systems act as natural barriers, effectively dissipating wave energy and slowing down tidal surges. 

Mangroves also absorb excess water, reducing the risk of flooding in coastal areas. Furthermore, the complex network of roots traps sediment and debris, stabilising shorelines and preventing erosion.

But Mumbai lost nearly 40 per cent of its mangroves between 1991 and 2001 as per several studies. Since then, concerned citizens, activists, and the Government have amped up efforts for the conservation of mangroves in the city. The latest among them is the Gorai Mangrove Park, set to open on May 1. 

The project, implemented by the Mangrove Cell of the Maharashtra Forest Department with a budget of Rs 23.63 crore, began in 2021 and aims to foster environmental awareness and promote the conservation of the city’s precious mangrove forests.  

What makes Gorai Mangrove Park special? 

The Gorai Mangrove Park’s initiation stemmed from a pressing need to address the increasing threats to Mumbai’s coastal biodiversity. Rapid urbanisation, pollution, and encroachment have significantly impacted the city’s mangrove cover. 

The most recent point of contention remains the Mumbai Coastal Road Phase 2 project. To compensate for the loss of green habitats, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up mangrove nurseries between Versova and Bhayandar.  

This Gorai Mangrove Park aims to reverse this trend by creating an educational and recreational space that fosters awareness and promotes active conservation.

Protecting  biodiversity

The Gorai Mangrove Park is not just a scenic walkway; it’s a vital ecosystem teeming with life. The dense mangrove forests provide a critical habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna. 

Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse range of bird species, including migratory birds that flock to the area during certain seasons. Look out for the vibrant Common Kingfisher darting among the branches, the elegant Little Egret wading in the shallows, and the distinctive calls of the Black-winged Stilt. 

The park also serves as a breeding ground for fish and other marine life, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding coastal waters. Within the mangrove’s intricate root systems, you’ll find species like the hardy Mudskipper, which can survive both in and out of water, and the commercially important Mangrove Snapper.

Notably, Mangroves draw moisture from the air and sequester carbon dioxide at four times the rate of terrestrial forests. These resilient ecosystems stand as vital bulwarks, shielding Mumbai from the devastating impacts of storms and floods.

What to expect? 

A journey through the mangroves

The centrepiece of the park is a 740-meter-long wooden boardwalk that winds its way through the heart of the mangrove forest. This elevated walkway, constructed without cutting a single tree, will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the unique ecosystem without disturbing the delicate balance of nature. 

As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll be surrounded by the lush green canopy of mangrove trees, their intricate root systems creating a mesmerising labyrinth. The air is filled with the sounds of birdsong, the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

A commitment to conservation

The Gorai Mangrove Park is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a living laboratory for environmental education and conservation. The park features a state-of-the-art nature interpretation centre that will provide visitors with information about the importance of mangroves, their role in coastal ecosystems, and the threats they face. 

Interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programmes will help raise awareness about the need to protect these vital ecosystems.   

Planning Your Visit

• Location: Gorai Mangrove Park is located near Gorai Creek, in northern Mumbai.
• How to Get There:
  • The most convenient way to reach the Gorai Mangrove Park is by road. You can take a bus or a taxi to Gorai village or board a train to Dahisar.
  • Alternatively, as per the parks lead architect, Devendra Bawdane, visitors will be able to board a kayak and reach the upcoming mangrove park in Dahisar.
• Facilities:
  • A 740-metre wooden boardwalk for exploring the mangroves. 
  • A Nature Conservation and Interpretation Centre. 
  • A watchtower within the creek for birdwatching.

The Gorai Mangrove Park is a welcome addition to Mumbai’s urban landscape, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of mangrove ecosystems. 

As you explore the park, remember to tread lightly, respect the environment, and help preserve this precious natural resource for years to come.

Edited by Leila Badyari Castelino