Navi Mumbai: In an unprecedented move, a four-hectare mangrove area in Vashi, that was previously buried, was successfully restored through the dedicated efforts of the forest department. Environmentalists are now advocating for a walkway at the location. The forest department cleared truckloads of debris that were dumped over mangroves at survey number 17 in Vashi village near the railway station. Around 250 truckloads of debris were cleared from the site.
Nature enthusiasts who have been campaigning to protect tidal plants stated that this is the first time a mangrove burial site is being restored in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Despite the Bombay High Court’s September 2018 ruling on mangrove protection and conservation, restoration of destroyed sites remained neglected, said NatConnect Foundation Director B N Kumar.
Nandakumar Pawar, head of Sagar Shakti, expressed concern about the lack of restoration efforts in various MMR locations such as Uran, Ulwe, Kharghar, Sion-Panvel Highway, and Chembur, where mangrove destruction has been reported. He noted that these sea plants serve as natural defenders against coastal tidal attacks.
Pawar observed that mangroves have shown natural regeneration without human intervention. Kumar added that in areas like Pagote, despite authorities’ inaction regarding debris clearance under former NMSEZ, tidal water submerged the dump, allowing sea plants to grow naturally.
Range Forest Officer Sudhir Manjare said that he invited nature enthusiasts to visit the restored location. Environmentalists have proposed establishing a mangrove walk zone at the Vashi restoration site before new plant growth. They suggest using the site as an educational trail to raise awareness about mangroves’ significance as carbon sinks, marine life breeding grounds, and natural pollutant filters.
Activists recommend implementing NMMC’s planned Mangrove Park in Vashi. They suggest constructing the wooden trail structure alongside plantation efforts for efficient execution without disturbing the mangroves. Kumar referenced the challenging construction of the Gorai-Dahisar mangrove trail, where extra precautions were necessary to build wooden structures through gaps without affecting existing tidal plants.
The Vashi site presents an opportunity for easier implementation of the mangrove park project before new plant growth, compared to constructing structures through established mangroves. NMMC’s earlier proposal for the park in the Ghansoli-Airoli stretch has raised concerns among environmentalists about potential disruption to existing dense mangrove areas.