Nature park

courtesy : Nature park

History of MNP:

In March 1997 the Government of Maharashtra had appointed Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) as a special Planning Authority for the development of Bandra – Kurla Complex (BKC). In June 1997 the MMRDA had published Planning proposal of BKC and invited suggestion and objections. After formation of MMRDA the World – Wide Fund for Nature India (WWF – I) had approached MMRDA with the suggestion that a suitable area should be reserve in “H” Block of Bandra – Kurla Complex for the development of “Maharashtra Nature Park – formerly known Mahim Nature Park (MNP)”.

Accordingly, an area of 37 acres was included in the Planning proposal submitted by MMRDA to Government of Maharashtra for the development of BKC. The Government of Maharashtra had sanctioned the planning proposal in the year 1979. In September 1979 Urban development department of Government of Maharashtra had set up a Project Group under MMRDA for the development of MNP. After the detailed study of the area, the Project Group had submitted its report to the government in June 1982. After careful consideration the Government of Maharashtra had decided that MMRDA should take the responsibility of the implementation of the project and required funds of the Project and required funds be provided out of the State Government grants to MMRDA.

On the request of MMRDA, World Wide Fund for Nature India took up the mammoth task of the cleaning the site and planting it with trees etc. The world-famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali was first to plant a sapling here at MNP in the year 1983. Then after, the keys plantation drive was pick up the children, mainly the students from schools and colleges. They helped in planting the saplings and nurturing them till they become trees. This is how these woodland came into existence. In January, 1984 MMRDA approves the block estimates for MNP. Accordingly tree planting and construction of Education Centre Building where taken in the hand. In March, 1987 Five Endemic trees Banyan, Palas, Amba, Peepal and Umber where planted in MNP in the presence of Dr. Salim Ali.

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