Nature lovers and environmentalists are questioning whether the long-delayed opening of Mumbai’s much-anticipated Gorai Mangrove Park is being deliberately held back for political mileage ahead of the upcoming BMC elections. Originally slated to open in August and then in September for nature enthusiasts post-monsoon, the Rs 33.43-crore park remains closed — even though officials admit the project is nearly complete.
Stilted boardwalk under construction at the Gorai Mangrove Park site
Spread across 0.6675 hectares within an eight-hectare mangrove ecosystem, the park features a 740-metre-long boardwalk that allows visitors to experience the mangroves up close, along with a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), viewing decks, and a bird-watching tower. A senior official from the Forest Department’s Mangrove Cell, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Work on the ambitious Mangrove Park project is almost complete, with only minor finishing touches remaining. The decision regarding the park’s inauguration will be taken at a higher administrative level.”
Lights installed along the stilted boardwalk at Gorai Mangrove Park
Sources told mid-day that the issue was informally discussed last month during a government event at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where local public representatives from the ruling party in the Borivli-Gorai area reportedly requested officials to schedule the inauguration in December. Environmentalists, however, see the delay as politically motivated. “We’ve been hearing about the opening for months — first August, then September, and now maybe December,” said Stalin D, environmentalist and director of Vanashakti. “It seems authorities are deliberately delaying it. They could be timing the inauguration closer to the BMC elections — perhaps even waiting for the Prime Minister’s availability to boost political optics,” he added.
“We’ve been hearing about the inauguration of the Gorai Mangrove Park for several months now, but it still hasn’t opened,” said Environmentalist Debit Goenka. “When I visited Gorai in September, I was informed that most of the work had already been completed, with only minor tasks pending. Citizens have been eagerly waiting for the park’s opening — it should not be delayed any further or timed to suit the convenience of any politician.”
Wooden boardwalk nearing completion at Gorai Mangrove Park. Pics/Satej Shinde
Earlier, the park’s opening was expected by May 1, but pending work on the parking facility and the NIC pushed it ahead. Despite repeated assurances, it continues to remain shut. Once operational, the park will feature guided mangrove trails and bird observation tours led by naturalists to educate visitors about the mangrove ecosystem and its biodiversity. The park will also include interactive touch-based systems providing information about mangrove flora and fauna. The project, approved by the Maharashtra State Eco-Tourism Board, has been designated an eco-tourism project.
Mumbai, with over 50 sq km of mangroves — the highest among any major city in the world — relies on these coastal forests as natural barriers protecting against erosion, flooding, and storm surges. The importance of mangroves was fully realised after the 2004 tsunami and the 2005 Mumbai floods, when their role as natural buffers became evident.
Officials said every aspect of the park — from planning and material selection to construction — was designed with sustainability in mind. Not a single mangrove tree was cut during construction; instead, structures were built around existing vegetation, ensuring that the park enhances rather than disturbs the natural habitat.
Salient features
Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC)
A two-storey facility featuring a rooftop restaurant, nature-themed gift shop, library, workshop rooms, audio-visual hall, and information centre. It will be powered by a solar system generating 80% of its electricity needs.
Boardwalk
A 740-metre-long wooden walkway meanders through the mangroves, allowing visitors an immersive experience without disturbing the ecosystem.
Viewing Deck
A panoramic viewing platform overlooking the surrounding creek.
Bird-Watching Tower
An 18-metre-high tower offering views of the diverse bird species inhabiting the area.
Rs 33.43 CR
Total cost of the project
