Mangroves of Mumbai
There were more than seven islands around Mumbai more than three hundred years ago. And the shorelines of those islands were covered with the plush green vegetation of Mangrove, the lifeline of the marine species of the surrounding areas. Mumbai and its surrounding areas are bestowed with natural blessings of Mangroves as their ecosystem helps the marine organisms around these islands feed for themselves.Areas in Mumbai where the majority of Mangrove ecosystem is found are the Thane Creek, Vasai Creek, Manori, Malad, Versova, Mumbra Diva, and Siwari. These Mangroves help the city coping up with the major drawbacks of the climate change.
Destruction of Mangroves and the Threat to Urban Life
Due to the massive expansion of urban places the mangroves of Mumbai has long been facing a serious challenge to survive. The uninterrupted reclamation of land, the ever increasing population and metropolitan development and at the same time the Global warming, climate change etc. are resulting in a rapid erosion of the Mangrove ecosystem. The declination of Mangrove ecosystem would make the natural habitat life as well as the all over well-being of Mumbai and its surrounding areas.Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre (SPGMEC), Mumbai
The Industrial family of Godrej has been doing a remarkable job regarding the preservation of the Mangroves of Mumbai. An immense area at the western bank of the Thane creek which is the largest Mangrove belt in Mumbai is being preserved by the Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre, a pet project of the Godrej family.There are a total number of 16 species of Mangroves are found in this creek. There are a good variety of fauna can also be found. More than 206 species of birds, 20 species of fishes, 30 species of reptiles enhance the value of the necessity of nature conservation and sustainability.
The major fields of work the SPGMEC has taken on hands are mainly the Biodiversity Conservation, Combating Global warming and the Climate Change, Preservation of Mangroves as Bio-resources, solid waste management and protecting the animal life in Mangrove Environment.
Mangroves are one of the most indispensable natural elements to cope up with the rapid climate change. Illegal expansion, garbage dumping, encroachment, toxic industrial pollutants are few of the common hazards perishing the mangroves of Mumbai. But with the help of organizations like the SPGMEC Mumbai steps towards the betterment of the condition.
Also See:Bhuleshwar Market in Mumbai | Gandhi Market in Mumbai | Fashion Street Mumbai | Colaba Causeway in Mumbai | Manish Market in Mumbai | Mangaldas Market in Mumbai | Crawford Market in Mumbai | Chor Bazaar in Mumbai | Bhendi Bazaar