The proposed site for the garden, along the creekside, has already been reclaimed by garbage and debris. An estimated cost outlay of Rs 2 crore has been earmarked for the nature park. While the TMC would contribute 70 per cent of the costs, 30 per cent will be shared by Here On Project Environment (HOPE), a division of Thane's Rotary Club.

According to TMC sources, the development of the park will be completed in two phases. The first phase, which will be over by December 1999, will include the fencing, pathways, construction of flowerbeds, pitching on the creek side, plumbing and the electric work of the park.

In the second phase, plantation will be done, with a theme from nature called Rituchakra (cycle of seasons). The park will have six sections, eachdedicated to the seasons Vasant, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemant and Shishir. The plan also includes an amphitheatre, sitouts, observation towers, jogging tracks, secluded areas for yoga, meditation and exercise awareness about nature and environment and for environment conservation activities.

Shyam Ghate of HOPE said: ``Before our proposal to TMC for converting this coastal land into a nature park, this place was neglected and misused. There were encroachments on the east side of the bank, and the mangroves were neglected. If care was not taken there would have been adverse impact on the ecology of the area. The restoration and conservation of the fragile mangrove ecosystem has also been undertaken to control soil erosion and pollution. He added: Adds Ghate, ``The benefits of the park will be plenty. With more than 250 species of trees and plants, it will be a green lung for Thane city. It will provide a site for nature education activities and promote people's involvement in natureconservation.''