Navi Mumbai's Rare Mangrove Revival: 100% Survival Rate Marks MISHTI Success

Vashi, Uran,Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra: In a groundbreaking ecological milestone, 2,300 saplings of the rare mangrove species Rhizophora mucronata known for its unique aerial roots have achieved a 100% survival rate at a mangrove restoration site near Vashi railway station.

Planted in June 2023 under the Prime Minister’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme, the initiative was led by the Maharashtra State Mangrove Cell. Typically found along Mumbai’s western coast, Rhizophora mucronata was introduced in a region largely dominated by Avicennia marina, making this biodiversity boost a landmark experiment.

The restoration area had suffered damage due to illegal aquaculture, with locals cutting mangroves and building bunds for shrimp and crab farming. Range Forest Officer Sudhir Manjare and his team first removed the illegal structures, then planted the 1-foot-high saplings which have now grown to over 8 feet.

Remarkably, the entire plantation across a 50,000 sq ft area cost just ₹2,500, showcasing an affordable model for future conservation. “This is a huge validation of the MISHTI scheme’s impact and opens up opportunities for replicating the model in other coastal zones,” said Manjare.

NatConnect Foundation Director B N Kumar praised the blending of Rhizophora and Avicennia as a step towards creating lush green belts. He referenced similar regeneration in Uran, where mangroves bounced back naturally after water flow was restored.