Maharashtra Plans Mangrove Safari Park In Airoli, Leopard Safaris In Junnar, Karad And Sangamner

The Airoli creek in Navi Mumbai, located in Thane district, is home to extensive mangrove forests and a habitat for flamingos. In view of boosting tourism in the region, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has directed the preparation of a feasibility report for establishing a Mangrove Safari Park in the area.

A meeting chaired by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik was held at the state secretariat to discuss various forest-related issues. Present at the meeting were Praveen Pardeshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Institute for Transformation (MITRA); Milind Mhaiskar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department; Shomita Biswas, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Vivek Hosing, Deputy Secretary; and B.V. Ramarao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

Minister Naik highlighted that the creeks in Navi Mumbai offer excellent opportunities for tourism development. The mangroves and flamingos could serve as major attractions for nature tourists. He directed authorities to conduct a detailed study and site inspection in areas like Airoli and Ghansoli to assess the feasibility of developing an international-standard Mangrove Park. A comprehensive report on the same has been requested.

Study on Leopard Safari

To mitigate human-wildlife conflict, Minister Naik also stressed the need for proactive measures. He pointed out that leopard activity is significant in Junnar, Karad, and Sangamner. He instructed officials to explore the feasibility of setting up Leopard Safaris in these three talukas, modeled after the Jawai Leopard Safari in Rajasthan.

International Breeding Center

In an effort to conserve endangered species like wild buffaloes and the Great Indian Bustard, an International Breeding Center is proposed at the Gorewada Project in Nagpur. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has been planned for this initiative. Minister Naik directed immediate action on this front.

Praveen Pardeshi emphasized the importance of the International Breeding Center and the MoU with BNHS, stating that it is a crucial step that requires further acceleration.