Injured marine animals to get new lease of life at Versova

The Mangroves Cell has decided to construct a rehab centre on a plot close to the beach, so that the animals stranded on the west coast can be saved

In 2013 and 2014, numerous marine creatures were washed ashore between Colaba and Versova

In a bid to save the marine creatures that get stranded on the west coast of the city, the Mangroves Cell of the forest department has decided to construct a rescue and rehabilitation centre on a plot close to the Versova beach, owned by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). A source from the forest department said that the location for setting up the centre has been finalised.

The rehab centre will have four large water tanks, which can be used to keep the injured animals. File pics

It would come up on a 1,200 square metre plot near Versova beach, which falls under the jurisdiction of MMB. Once the MMB hands over the plot to the Mangroves Cell, a precast structure would be set up in less than two months, added the source. Speaking to mid-day, Prashant Deshmukh, range forest officer, Mangroves Cell, said, "From 2013 to 2014, many animals have been washed ashore the west coast of the city between Colaba and Versova. The rescue and rehabilitation centre with all the necessary facilities will help save the lives of many marine creatures."

According to sources, the centre will have four large water tanks, which can be used to keep the injured turtles and dolphins till they completely recover. It will also be equipped with X-ray machines and an operation theatre where doctors would be able to treat the animals. At present, the injured marine creatures are treated at the Wildlife Treatment Centre supported by the Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare Association. Dr Dinesh Vinherkar, who is a consultant associated with the centre, has been treating the injured animals.

1,200sq mt
Area of the plot on which the centre will come up

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