MMRDA to develop 5-hector Mangrove Park

MMRDA to develop 5-hector Mangrove Park
at Gorai-Manori
Mumbai, May 7, 2010 – The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to develop Mangrove Park in a five hector plot at Gorai-Manori as a pilot project. This pilot project is part of the 137 hector Mangrove Park project to be developed in the near future to attract tourists.
The MMRDA is planning to carry out massive mangrove plantation in bald patches admeasuring five hectors along the periphery of the 137 hectors of land which is earmarked for the Mangrove Park. A select variety of mangrove species such as Rhizophora Mucronata, Avicennia Marina, Salvadora, Suaeda, Sesuvium and Ceriops are to be planted and conserved in the area. The MMRDA has established a core committee of experts in the field of conservation and regeneration of Mangroves to develop this state-of-the-art Mangrove Park. The core committee – headed by Mr.SVR Srinivas, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA – consists of experts such as Dr.D.B.Chaphekar, Dr.Sanjay Deshmukh, Mr.Avinash Kubal among others.
“We believe in total development. The environment and its protection and conservation is as crucial as the development of infrastructure. Mangrove forest is an important ecosystem. It helps remove air pollution, limit coastal erosion and also protects the coastal areas from saline water intrusion and storms. The mangrove forest also helps development of aquaculture”, said, Mr. Ratnakar Gaikwad, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.
This 100 crore project is being launched by MMRDA to provide vital shelter belts to protect inland homesteads, livestock and other properties located in near-shore environments. It will also ensure improved fish catch to coastal communities and thus will have great socio-economic value. The mangrove park is a habitat for spawning and nursery ground for various marine species like fish, shellfish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.