Oshiwara River
|
About:
|
Oshiwara River is a small river that flows through the suburbs of Mumbai,
Maharashtra, India. It originates in the Aarey Milk Colony and flows
through the western suburbs, including Goregaon and Andheri, before
draining into the Arabian Sea. The river has been heavily impacted by
urbanization, with pollution and encroachments being major concerns in
recent years.
The Oshiwara gets filled at Andheri, a suburb that had suffered
extensively during the floods. The river originates in the Aarey milk
colony. On its 10-km journey through the relatively unspoilt environment
of the national park it is a clean stream. A cocktail of industrial
pollutants empty into it as it crosses the Oshiwara Industrial Estate
and slums and cattle-sheds lining its bank pour in raw sewage.
|
Location info:
|
Address:Mumbai,India. |
District: Mumbai Suburban District. |
Nearest City: Mumbai |
Best time to visit: Nov to Feb. |
Climate/Weather:
|
Summer (March to June): Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C
to 35°C.
Monsoon (July to September): The river experiences heavy rainfall, leading
to increased water flow. Mumbai’s average rainfall is about 2,200 mm, and
this period often results in flooding of low-lying areas near the river.
Winter (November to February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures between
18°C and 28°C. |
History:
|
Historically, the Oshiwara River was a vital natural resource for local
communities, supporting agriculture and providing water. However, rapid
urban development in the 20th century led to the degradation of the river,
which is now one of the most polluted rivers in Mumbai. Efforts to clean and
rejuvenate the river have been initiated by local authorities and
environmental groups, but challenges remain due to waste disposal and
illegal encroachments.
|
Interesting things to do:
|
Nature Walks: The Aarey Milk Colony, near the river's origin, offers green
spaces and walking trails that provide a glimpse of the city’s natural
surroundings.
Photography: The river and its surroundings, particularly near Aarey,
provide opportunities for urban landscape photography. |
Interesting things to Visit:
|
Aarey Milk Colony: Located near the river’s
origin, this area is one of the last green belts in Mumbai and is home
to a variety of flora and fauna.
Versova Beach: The river ultimately drains into the
Arabian Sea near Versova Beach, which is a popular spot for relaxation
and walks along the coast.
Erangal Beach,35 km away: A beautiful place with
golden sands. The suburban electric train stops at Malad, from where the
journey must be made by road.
|
Mobile range info:
|
Mobile network coverage is strong in all areas through which the Oshiwara
River flows, with reliable service from major providers like Jio, Airtel,
and Vodafone.
|
How to reach?
|
Nearest Railway Station: The Western Line of Mumbai’s
suburban railway network has stations at Goregaon, Andheri, and Jogeshwari,
which are all close to the river. |
Nearest Airport:Mumbai International Airport. |
Road Transport:All kinds of private and public transport
are available.It has good road facilities which makes it easily reachable.
|
Nearest Visiting places:
|
Bassein (Vasai),77km away: Bassein or Vasai was an
ancient Portuguese settlement located about 77 km to the north of
Mumbai, near the Thane creek. The Bassein Fort was constructed in 1532
by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. Ruins of the Fort and the Cathedral
of St. Joseph and the Churches of St Antony and St. Paul can be seen in
this fort. The city walls are still intact. There are also decorative
gateways inscribed with coats of arms and Portuguese graves dating back
to 1558. Access: Bassein or Vasai is 77 kms by road along the
Mumbai- Ahmedabad highway. The nearest station is Bassein or Vasai on
the Western Railway. From there the fort can be reached by auto-rickshaw
or taxi.
Gorai and Manori Beaches,59 km away: Dotted with
quaint villages on either side, the twin beaches of Manori and Gorai are
located across the creek from Borivili or Malad. These beaches are
generally safe to swim expect during the monsoons when it becomes
dangerous due to strong underwater currents. These villages offer a
peaceful retreat with plenty of dried fish, palm trees etc. Essel World,
the amusement park is located in Gorai village. Access: The
nearest railway stations are Borivili or Malad from where the journey
must be made by road and sea (Ferry). Also approachable by road via
Bhayandar on Western Express Highway. Private shacks are available for
stay.
Kanheri Caves,45 km away: Situated in the heart of
Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park- around 7km from the parks
entrance, the complex contains 109 Buddhist caves. Carved out of natives
rock, the caves that form the complex are believed to have been occupied
by Buddhist monks for nearly a thousand years, starting 2nd century
A.D., thus making them one of the oldest rock monasteries in the
country. Caves No.1,2,3 are noteworthy for their massive pillars,
sculptures and stupas. Access : Located 45km east of Mumbai city,
the caves are 10 km from the Borivili railway station.
|
Nearest Petrol Pump:
|
HP Petrol Pump, Goregaon West: Located near SV Road, this is a convenient refueling stop for visitors to the western suburbs.
|
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
|
Palms Hotel Tower and Villas 169 Aarey Milk Colony Gorega, Navi
Mumbai, 400065
Imperial Palace Hotel 169 Aarey Milk Colony Goregaon Mumbai, 400065
|
Things to carry:
|
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring areas like Aarey and nearby locations.
Sunscreen and hats to protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities.
Water bottles and snacks if you plan to explore areas like Aarey or the beach.
Camera to capture urban and natural landscapes, especially near Versova Beach and Aarey. |
Tips & Suggestions:
|
Visit the areas near the river, such as Aarey and Versova Beach, during the winter months (November to February) for the most pleasant weather.
Avoid visiting during the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall often causes flooding along the river and nearby areas.
Be mindful of the river’s polluted state, especially in urban sections, and avoid contact with the water. |
Help Line/Phone Number:
|
Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Helpline:+91 22 1916 |
Mumbai Police Helpline: 100
Kaustabh Hospital Garments 4/401, Vanrai Colony,
Opp.Nirlon,Off.W.E.High Way, Aarey Milk Colony, Mumbai, Maharashtra
400065
|
Mumbai Tourism Helpline:+91 22 2645 9945 |