Gorai's Mangrove Park set to open after years of delays and frustration

A park two years in the making could unlock its gates at last. Environmentalists and locals hope its trails and towers will inspire mangrove conservation.

, and Administrator

2026 May 12 . 8:05 AM

1 min read

The image shows a wooden boardwalk winding through a mangrove forest, with the water lapping... — The image shows a wooden boardwalk winding through a mangrove forest, with the water lapping against the sides of the path and the trees on either side. The sky is visible in the background, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Gorai's Mangrove Park set to open after years of delays and frustration

Gorai’s Mangrove Park, completed in 2022, still waits to open its gates. Despite repeated delays, the Rs 33.43-crore project may finally welcome visitors this week. Officials cite scheduling conflicts among dignitaries as the latest hurdle in a long-awaited inauguration. The eight-hectare park was launched in 2021 under the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Funding came from the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC), and the project received clearance under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. Features include a 750-metre elevated boardwalk, an 18-metre birdwatching tower, and a two-storey Nature Interpretation Centre.

Multiple postponements have frustrated environmentalists. Activist Milli Shetty has pushed for the park’s opening since last year, viewing it as a key site for public education on mangroves. Recently, Aaditya Thackeray urged Forest Minister Ganesh Naik to speed up the process. Sources in the Forest Department now suggest the park could open within days. If confirmed, visitors will soon access its facilities after years of anticipation.

The park’s launch would mark the end of a prolonged wait for residents and conservationists. Its facilities aim to boost awareness of mangrove ecosystems. Officials have yet to confirm the exact date of the inauguration.