The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadanvis and head of Dharavi Redevelopment Project, SVR Srinivas on Wednesday allayed any fears that Mahim Nature Park will be usurped by developers and the government or the Slum Rehabilitation Authority is facilitating it. The nature park will see no new construction nor any of it is proposed on the land and shall remain as it is. The government made it clear that the notification was issued because as per plans MNP is part of Dharavi Redevelopment Project and hence they want to include it in the notified area of Dharavi Redevelopment Project.

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The proposed notification states that a total area of 1.68 lakh sq m, that is Mahim Nature Park will be included in Sector V of Dharavi. The proposal is from Dharavi Redevelopment Project, which has proposed a modification, and now seeking suggestion objections from the public. Senior bureaucrats say this may help Dharavi Redevelopment Project, get a better attention when it calls for the future tender. However, there has been a section of environmentalist alleging that to benefit developers could be one of the reason behind this move.

Fadanvis said, "It was always part of Dharavi notification that is why it has come as a part of DRP. Any change in its nature or any construction whatsoever it may be will never ever be allowed and that will be mentioned in the final notification as well. It will be preserved as natural area and not a single dilution will be allowed in it's form."

Mahim Nature Park currently stands on a land that was leased by MMRDA to Maharashtra Nature Park, and there has been an argument about it's ownership. Some claim Mahim Nature Park which earlier was nothing but a dumping ground is now filled with garbage and converted into a small forest. It is now a part of Bandra Kurla Complex. However, there are people who say that the division of land by Mithi river has made it a part of Dharavi.

S.V.R. Srinivas, Chief Executive Officer, and Officer on Special Duty, Dharavi Redevelopment Project, confirming the proposed modification said,"MNP is part of Dharavi, the proposed modification is to include the property, in sector V of Dharavi Redevelopment Project. Take this from me on record, that there are no plans of having any construction or proposing new construction on MNP."

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PARK

  1. A dumping ground, which was converted into a man made forest between the late 70’s and was ready by 1994  
  2. Boasts of 18,000 trees of 280 different species, 135 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, 85 species of butterflies, 30 species of spiders.    
  3. Serves as a knowledge hub and meeting place for several conservationists, naturalists, nature photographers and nature enthusiasts  
  4. Hosts several interesting environment events including urban bee-keeping, waste management, rooftop gardening, nature trails, flower shows and others.  
  5. Inspired several individuals to take up cause of nature or pursue studying various species like butterflies, birds, trees and even conduct research.

VOICES

I have been visiting MNP since past 17 years and several of my photographs as well as finer understanding of wilderness has roots in this place. This place is unique as its hub of so many activities and one gets to meet so many like-minded people interested in nature.”—Dr Sanjeev Shevade, Orthodontist and Nature Lover

I started visiting MNP out of curiosity in 2009 and in few months I was so hooked on to this place that I began spending almost 10 hours daily. I only became interested in nature due to MNP. I will always stand up to save this park if its under any threat.”—Pradip Patade, Marine life enthusiast

I was here standing in MNP planting the first set of trees in 1986 and since then I have been visiting here regularly. This place is like an eco-labrotory. The need of the day is to not only protect MNP at all costs but also create more such parks in future.” —Anand Pendharkar, Naturalist and Founder of NGO Sprouts