Country’s first mangrove park at Gorai set to open in next two months; entry won’t be free

A key feature of the park is a 750-metre-long wooden boardwalk that traverses through mangroves. At the end of the walkway lies a viewing deck, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding creek. Similar to the newly opened nature trail in Malabar Hills, this elevated walkway was built without disturbing the mangrove ecosystem.

“We have sent a proposal to the state government to implement an entry fee. The revenue generated will be used on maintenance and upkeep of the park. The proposal is yet to be cleared by the government following which ticket rates will be fixed,” said a senior official from the state forest department.

“At present, the final stages of construction are in progress like polishing the surface, final painting works and setting up lighting and other ancillary details. We expect these works to be completed in the next one month. After that the park will be opened to the public,” the official said.

Built at a cost of Rs 33.43 crore, construction began in 2021 and the project was earmarked as a forest reserve.

For bird watchers, the project also has an 18-metre-tall watch tower, allowing visitors to observe the avian species that thrive in the area. The watchtower also offers expansive views of the mangroves and creek.

Also, in a bid to impart vital education and recreation, the Mangrove Cell has also constructed a two-storey Nature Interpretation Centre. Here, visitors can read and learn about mangroves and its biodiversity through informative boards, panels, and books at the library and information centre.

Additionally, the structure will feature a rooftop restaurant and a nature-themed gift shop.

To ensure minimal impact on the fragile fauna and flora, the project was executed with eco-friendly materials, solar energy and elevated walkways.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former environment minister, took to his social media profile X and claimed the project was originally mooted by him. “Hearing that this Mangrove Park in Gorai that we started work on in October 2021, will finally be open to everyone soon. Happy to see that just like the Tree Top walk in Malabar Hill, Urban Forest in Marol that I had the honour and privilege to initiate as Minister in the MVA, this too, something I kickstarted, will open up soon for people,” he said in his post.