KARACHI: “It is ‘Jungle Mein Mangal’ [merriment in the wilderness],” said Managing Director, Sindh Tourism Development Corporation, Feyaz Ali Shah as visitors from various walks of life arrived at the Mangrove Biodiversity Park at Korangi Creek for an eco-tourism exploration trip organised by the Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Department of the Government of Sindh on Saturday.
“Of course ‘Jungle Mein Morr Nacha Kis Ne Dekha?’ [A peacock danced in the forest, but who saw it?]” He added. “That is why we brought you all here today, to appreciate the beauty of nature and marvel at the ecological significance of the mangroves and the biodiversity you see here,” he said.
The Mangrove Biodiversity Park was built some two years ago and there are plans for expansion as it receives more funds. Currently, it has a 700 metres long floating wooden bridge, designed by architect and environmentalist Tariq Alexander Qaiser, which allows one a peek into the dense mangrove forest. The area, at first, was opened for school, college and university tours but in September last year it opened for the general public. Almost immediately it was realised that too many people pouring in were causing too much destruction. They broke off the mangrove tree branches and littered the place. That was when an entry fee was introduced so that those who really appreciate nature may visit here.
