Navi Mumbai: In a first-of-its-kind ecological experiment along the Navi Mumbai coastline, the plantation of a unique mangrove species, Rhizophora mucronata, also known as Asiatic Mangrove or Loop-root mangrove, has shown remarkable success. Known for its distinctive stilt roots that grow from the upper part of the plant, this species was introduced at a mangrove restoration site near Vashi Railway Station under the Central Government’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) initiative.
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In June 2023, around 2,300 saplings of Rhizophora mucronata were planted at the site. Officials from the Mangrove Cell have now confirmed that all the saplings have survived, marking the experiment a resounding success.
Unlike Navi Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which are primarily dominated by the Avicennia marina species, Rhizophora mucronata is typically found along Mumbai’s western coastline.
The restoration was carried out after the Forest Department demolished a bund illegally constructed to facilitate shrimp and crab farming, which had blocked the natural intertidal flow and led to the destruction of scores of mangrove trees. The bund had created a pond of nearly half a hectare.
The restoration work was led by Range Forest Officer Sudhir Manjare’s team. Environmental NGO NatConnect Foundation, which has been actively monitoring coastal conservation efforts, applauded the initiative.
“This is a great example of nature’s resilience,” said NatConnect director B N Kumar. “Along with the fresh plantation, the natural growth of Avicennia marina will soon turn the area lush green. We’ve seen similar rapid regeneration in Uran once tidal water flow was restored.”
This initiative is expected to serve as a model for future mangrove restoration projects in ecologically sensitive coastal areas across the country.