The inauguration of India's first mangrove park located in Mumbai's Gorai has been delayed. The park was slated to open next month, however due the early arrival of monsoon has delayed the final stage works.
The much anticipated 0.6675-hectare park within an 8-hectare mangrove ecosystem, is created at estimated cost of Rs 33.43 crores. It aims to raise awareness about the crucial biodiversity found in mangrove and coastal ecosystems.
"The work of ticket counter is remaining and some finishing works like painting, railings lightening etc is underway. However, due to peak of monsoon, the work is moving at slow pace. Only minimal work is pending which was expected to be completed this month, however, it looks it will be bit delayed," an official from the forest department. However, the authorities are hopeful the park will fully ready post monsoon to open for public viewing.
The key features of the Gorai Mangrove Park include a 740-meter long Boardwalk (wooden walkway) meandering through the mangroves, a viewing deck providing panoramic view of the surrounding creek and a 18-meter call bird watching tower. It also has a two-storeyed Nature Interpretation Centre (education centre), housing a library, audio-visual room, a roof top restaurant etc.
"Every aspect of the park, including construction materials, has been carefully considered to align with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. Importantly, not a single mangrove tree has been cut down during the construction; instead, they have been thoughtfully incorporated into the design," the official said.
The project is undertaken by the Mangroves Cell of Maharashtra Forest Department. The government is yet to decide the admission cost for the visitors.
