NAVI MUMBAI: Environmentalists are optimistic about the long-awaited mangrove park in the city, as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has included the project in its 2025-26 Budget proposals.
NatConnect Foundation recalled that former Konkan Divisional Commissioner Jagdish Patil, who also headed the High Court-mandated Mangrove Protection and Conservation Committee, had long endorsed the idea of a mangrove park to educate the public on the ecological importance of tidal plants.
The proposal first emerged in January 2019 when large-scale mangrove destruction was reported in the Uran area under NMSEZ and JNPA, said NatConnect director B.N. Kumar. Activists have since renewed their demand, especially as the State Mangrove Cell is set to open a similar park in Gorai by May.
NMMC city engineer Shirish Aradwad confirmed that the civic body will collaborate with the state forest department to establish the mangrove park.
In addition, NMMC plans to develop a butterfly park in Nerul near Palm Beach Marg by planting a variety of host plants.
Green groups have welcomed the Gorai mangrove trail project, emphasizing that mangroves serve as natural coastal protectors against tsunamis, tidal waves, and storms while acting as breeding grounds for fish and crabs. Described as “nature’s rainforests,” mangroves grow independently, unlike terrestrial forests, which require significant government funding.
Meanwhile, responding to concerns about air pollution, NMMC has committed to planting 45,000 saplings, expanding the green cover by 40 hectares. The corporation also plans to install static fog cannons at eight locations and deploy dust suppression vehicles.
Environmentalists are urging NMMC to adopt a comprehensive environmental policy that includes rainwater harvesting and solar power installation at civic office buildings.
NatConnect has also recommended that all new buildings in the city be required to implement solar power, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling. The foundation stressed that waste management should be a household responsibility rather than solely an NMMC initiative.
Furthermore, activists are calling for NMMC to reclaim all open spaces and prevent CIDCO from undertaking further development in its jurisdiction.
Instead of increasing concrete jungles under redevelopment projects, the focus should be on creating urban forests, said activist Madhu Shankar. The existing forests in Kopar Khairane and Nerul serve as successful models, and similar initiatives should be implemented in Parsik Hills, Vashi, Nerul, Sanpada, Airoli, and the MIDC industrial belt, she added.
