Forest Minister Ganesh Naik Calls for Feasibility Report on Setting Up a Mangrove Park in Airoli

Mumbai : Forest Minister Shri Ganesh Naik has directed that a detailed feasibility report be prepared for establishing a Mangrove Safari Park along the creekside of Airoli in Navi Mumbai, Thane district. The area is home to extensive mangrove forests and is frequented by flamingos, making it a potential hotspot for eco-tourism.

The directive was given during a meeting chaired by Minister Naik at the Mantralaya regarding various issues related to the Forest Department. Present at the meeting were Praveen Pardeshi, CEO of Maharashtra Institute for Transformation (MITRA), Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shomita Biswas, Deputy Secretary Vivek Hoshing, and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests B.V. Ramarao.

Minister Naik emphasized that the creekside in Navi Mumbai offers significant opportunities for tourism development. The mangrove ecosystem and flamingo population can attract nature lovers and eco-tourists. He instructed officials to study whether world-class mangrove parks could be developed in areas such as Airoli and Ghansoli, and to submit a comprehensive site inspection and report.

He also stressed the need to implement measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, especially in regions like Junnar, Karad, and Sangamner, where leopard sightings are common. Drawing inspiration from the Jawai Leopard Safari in Rajasthan, he suggested exploring similar safari initiatives in these areas.

Addressing wildlife conservation, Minister Naik discussed the proposal to set up an international breeding center at the Gorewada project in Nagpur for endangered species like the wild water buffalo and the great Indian bustard (Maldhok). He informed that a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is being finalized and instructed for immediate action on the project.

Praveen Pardeshi underlined the importance of the international breeding center and the BNHS collaboration, stating the need to expedite its implementation.