Rare Mangrove Plantation Succeeds Near Vashi In First MISHTI Initiative Along Navi Mumbai Coast

In a first-of-its-kind initiative along the Navi Mumbai coastline, the plantation of a rare mangrove species—Rhizophora mucronata—has proven to be a resounding success.

“The species, known for its distinctive stilt roots that emerge from the upper stem and branch areas, was introduced as part of the Prime Minister’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) programme,” said B N Kumar, Director of the NatConnect Foundation.

In June 2023, approximately 2,300 saplings of Rhizophora mucronata were planted at a mangrove restoration site near Vashi Railway Station. According to the Mangrove Cell, all the saplings have survived, and the experiment has been officially declared a success.

The foundation informed that the Navi Mumbai and wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) coastline is typically dominated by the Avicennia marina species. The Rhizophora mucronata variety is more commonly found along Mumbai’s western shores, making this experiment a landmark achievement in enhancing regional biodiversity.

The environmental group NatConnect Foundation highlighted the significance of the effort, recalling how the Forest Department had reclaimed the Vashi site from illegal encroachment. A bund constructed to facilitate illicit shrimp and crab farming had blocked intertidal water flow, severely damaging the local mangrove cover.

“Scores of mangrove trees were destroyed to create a half-hectare pond,” said Kumar. “Thanks to the intervention of Range Forest Officer Sudhir Manjare and his team, the site has now been restored to its natural state.”