With the announcement of the BMC elections and the model code of conduct now in force, Mumbaikars and nature lovers will have to wait a little longer to visit the city’s first mangrove park in Gorai. The park, which features a boardwalk and a watchtower overlooking the creek, is fully ready but cannot be inaugurated until the election period ends.
Officials from the Mangrove Cell confirmed that all work has been completed. “The entire work at the Gorai mangrove park is complete, and it can be opened to the public,” a forest department source said.
mid-day has consistently reported delays to the project, including last month’s story highlighting how the opening appeared to be slipping again despite nearing completion. Environmentalists have repeatedly questioned whether the delay is politically motivated ahead of the civic polls.
Originally scheduled to open in August and later in September, the Rs 33.43 crore park remains closed even as officials acknowledge it is ready for visitors.
What the park offers
Nature Interpretation Centre: A two-storey facility with a rooftop restaurant, gift shop, workshops, library, audio visual room, information desk and an 80 per cent solar power system. It will also have a 740-metre wooden walkway through the mangroves, designed to offer an immersive experience without disturbing the ecosystem.
Viewing deck: A large deck at the end of the boardwalk offers wide views of the creek.
Bird watching tower: An 18 metre tower for enthusiasts to observe species in the area.
What nature lovers say
Environmentalist Rohit Joshi said, “I have learnt that the Gorai mangrove park is fully ready and can be opened to the public. The project has been completed using taxpayers’ money, and there is no valid reason to delay its opening for a political inauguration.”
Activist Milli Shetty said the park’s opening has been repeatedly pushed forward since May. “MLA Sanjay Upadhyay informed me that the park is now expected to open on December 25 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, after whom it will be named,” she added.
Nature lover Kaushalendra Dubey said, “A local resident told me the park is ready, but its opening may be delayed because politicians want to take credit. With the election code in place, they cannot do that. Since taxpayers’ money is involved, there is no justification for further delay.”
Van Rani coming back into service
The iconic Van Rani toy train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, shut since Cyclone Tauktae damaged it in May 2021, is also expected to be inaugurated only after the BMC elections.
