The trees of Mumbai have been in the news. In October this year, protests broke out in parts of the city and on social media after more than 2,000 trees were felled in Aarey Colony, to make way for a car shed and depot for the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

About an hour away from the green Aarey belt in suburban Goregaon, Mahim’s Maharashtra Nature Park (MNP) tells a contrasting story.

It was 25 years ago that a 37-acre dumping ground on the banks of Mithi River was converted into this green oasis. The foundation for MNP was laid by ornithologist Salim Ali, who planted its first sapling. Over the years, hundreds of trees were planted here by students of schools and colleges, helping MNP become one of the greenest spots in Mumbai today.

At last count, it has over 13,500 trees, 63 species of birds, 40 varieties of butterflies as well as a sizeable population of other insects and snakes.

Apart from being a favourite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, the MNP is also a big draw for photographers. Guided tours of the park are held on a regular basis, giving the people of Mumbai a chance to get away from its frenetic pace of life. MNP also has an exhibition hall, an amphitheatre, a nursery and a library, all solar-powered.

Forest essentials: Walking tours of the park are organised on a regular basis

Come one, come all: The park is a favourite with shutterbugs

Born to be purple: Bauhinia purpurea, an orchid that is native to India

Wind beneath the wings: A common rose butterfly on a Jamaican blue spike flower

Come into bloom: A false chanterelle mushroom grows on deadwood

Take a bough: A canopy formed by banyan trees

Spot of calm: With an artificial lake, the MNP is home to 63 species of birds

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Turning over a new leaf: Maharashtra Nature Park, now 25 years old, once used to be a dumping ground