One of the largest mangrove restoration projects in Mumbai took place at a 20-acre barren patch at the Vikhroli end of Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road. (JVLR). The work was going on for the same for the past eight months. 

After the newspaper Hindustan Times unveiled about 80 % of mangroves being lost in the same area the district collectors offices opened the blockages so that tide water would reach the wetland patch. 

After non-profit organization Vanashakti filed a petition on non-implementation of Wetland Rules, 2010, Bombay High Court had directed the state to take appropriate steps to restore the areas highlighted in the petition. 

Talking to HT, Stalin D, Director NGO Vanashakti said, “This site is a good example of how nature will restore itself if we make way. The tidal flow was restored and the mangroves are reviving,” “The mangroves have covered almost 80% of the barren patch and grown to the height of four to five feet, he further added. 

Apart from this site, now seven other mangrove sites will also be restored with saplings and the official will make sure that sufficient water is provided to the mangrove site. 

While environmentalist informed that city like Mumbai needs such restoration to fight against the floods. It is important to save the mangroves as they protect the land from erosion and act as a buffer zone between land and sea. Being plants, of course mangroves absorb carbon-di-oxide and makes air cleaner to breathe. These prove to be as a breading ground for marine animals.  

Currently, Mumbai has a total of 5,800 hectares (ha) of mangrove cover – 4,000 ha on government-owned land and 1,800 ha in private areas. While Navi Mumbai and the eastern end of Thane creek have a total cover of 1,471 ha, for the western bank of Thane creek it is 1,500 ha.