Mumbai's Green Revolution: BMC Unveils Ambitious 84-Acre Biodiversity Park and Mangrove Nursery in Eksar

Mumbai is poised for a significant ecological transformation as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announces an ambitious plan to develop an 84-acre plot in Eksar, Malad, into a vibrant biodiversity park and a high-capacity mangrove nursery. This groundbreaking initiative promises to be a new green lung for the city, bolstering its natural defenses and enriching its environmental heritage.

The sprawling 84-acre land parcel, nestled in Eksar village, Malad (West), is earmarked for a dual-purpose ecological marvel.

Approximately five acres will be dedicated to a state-of-the-art mangrove nursery, with an astounding target of producing 10 lakh saplings annually. These vital saplings will then be transplanted across Mumbai’s coastline, playing a crucial role in fortifying the city against coastal erosion, mitigating the impact of climate change, and providing critical habitats for diverse marine life.

The remaining 79 acres will blossom into a breathtaking coastal biodiversity park, a sanctuary designed to showcase and preserve Mumbai’s rich natural flora and fauna.

This expansive park will feature a dynamic landscape, including a significant 28-acre water body or lagoon, complemented by 24 acres of unique mudflats. Existing mangrove patches spanning 18 acres will be carefully nurtured and integrated, while 9 acres of open spaces will offer areas for recreation and nature appreciation.

Adding an educational dimension, a ‘nature interpretation centre’ is also on the cards, offering visitors insights into the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.

This pioneering project is a strategic move to enhance Mumbai's green cover and protect its invaluable coastal ecosystems, which are constantly under threat from urban expansion and environmental degradation.

The current landscape of the plot, primarily comprising mudflats and barren land with nascent mangrove growth, presents a perfect canvas for ecological restoration and development.

The BMC is collaborating closely with the Mangrove Foundation, a dedicated wing of the state forest department, leveraging their expertise in coastal conservation.

This partnership is expected to streamline the scientific management and successful execution of the project. The estimated cost for this monumental endeavor is between Rs 20-25 crore, a testament to the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

While the vision is clear and the commitment strong, the project's realization hinges on securing crucial Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental clearances.

Once these regulatory hurdles are cleared, the BMC anticipates completing the project within a promising two-year timeframe. Interestingly, this very land was once considered for a golf course, a plan that was wisely scrapped due to stringent CRZ restrictions, paving the way for a more ecologically sound and beneficial development.

The Eksar Biodiversity Park and Mangrove Nursery stands as a beacon of hope for Mumbai’s natural future.

It represents a significant step towards creating a more resilient, green, and biologically diverse urban environment, proving that development and nature can not only coexist but thrive together.