The highly anticipated Gorai Mangrove Park in Mumbai remains closed months after its scheduled opening, raising questions over administrative delays and potential political timing ahead of the upcoming BMC elections. Initially slated for an August inauguration, and later postponed to September, the Rs 33.43-crore park within a protected mangrove ecosystem is nearly complete, officials confirmed, with only minor finishing touches pending.
Spanning 0.6675 hectares within an eight-hectare mangrove zone, the park is designed to provide an immersive experience through a 740-metre-long boardwalk, complemented by a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), viewing decks, and an 18-metre-high bird-watching tower. “Most of the construction work is done; final decisions regarding inauguration lie with higher authorities,” a senior official from the Forest Department’s Mangrove Cell said. Environmentalists have expressed concern over repeated delays, suspecting political considerations may influence the park’s opening. A director of a local conservation NGO noted, “The park has been ready for months, yet the inauguration keeps being postponed. There is a perception that authorities may be timing the opening closer to civic polls to maximise political visibility.” Citizens too have voiced frustration, citing prolonged inaccessibility despite clear completion of infrastructure.
Officials clarified that pending work on ancillary facilities, including parking and the NIC, contributed to earlier postponements. Once operational, the park will host guided mangrove trails, bird observation tours, and interactive displays to educate visitors about mangrove flora, fauna, and the ecosystem’s critical role in coastal protection. Mumbai’s mangroves, spanning over 50 square kilometres—the largest for any major global city—serve as natural buffers against erosion, flooding, and storm surges. The park’s development was undertaken with sustainability as a priority. Construction avoided any cutting of mangrove trees, and structures were designed around existing vegetation. The NIC itself will be powered by a solar system supplying 80% of its energy, while the boardwalk enables visitor access without disrupting sensitive habitats.
While political speculation persists, experts argue that timely opening would enhance public engagement with Mumbai’s unique mangrove ecosystems and advance eco-tourism objectives. Coordinated management of final touch-ups and safety inspections could enable a responsible, inclusive launch without further delays. As Mumbai balances conservation and civic engagement, the Gorai Mangrove Park stands poised to become a model of sustainable urban eco-tourism—provided completion translates into public access without political postponements.
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