In a first-of-its-kind initiative along the Navi Mumbai coast, an experimental plantation of the mangrove species Rhizophora mucronata (Asiatic mangrove)—known for its distinctive stilt-like roots—has proven successful.
Approximately 2,300 saplings were planted in June 2023 at a mangrove restoration site near Vashi Railway Station, as part of the Prime Minister’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) programme.
Officials from the Mangrove Cell have confirmed 100% survival of the saplings, marking the project a clear success.
Unlike Navi Mumbai and the larger Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which are typically dominated by the Avicennia marina species, Rhizophora mucronata is generally found along Mumbai’s western coastline.
The NatConnect Foundation highlighted that the plantation site had earlier suffered ecological damage due to illegal shrimp and crab farming. A bund was constructed to block tidal water flow, creating a half-hectare pond and destroying numerous mangrove trees. Range Forest Officer Sudhir Manjare and his team have since restored the site.
“With this initiative and the natural resurgence of Avicennia marina, the area is on track to become lush and green once again,” said B N Kumar, Director of NatConnect Foundation. He also pointed to the successful regeneration of mangroves in Uran, where tidal plants bounced back naturally after restoring water flow.
