Did You Know That Mumbai Has A 138-YO Secret Society Which Is The Oldest NGO In Asia?

Okay, it's not a cult per say but it is no less of a secret that the city has been sitting on for decades. Bombay Natural History Society(BNHS) is a 138-year-old organisation that boasts of being the oldest NGO in Asia. Not to mention the Mahogany Tree planted by Sir. David Livingstone that their Fort premise still houses. Or their friendly neighborhood hornbill - Bill, who inspired their logo.

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

BNHS has supported and continues to support research efforts of nature researchers. Ornithologists like Dr Salim Ali and S. Dillom have been associated with BNHS. BNHS holds its headquarters at the Hornbill House in SoBo.

The city enthusiasts reading the article probably already know about this beautiful colonial structure that stands tall overlooking the Arabian Sea at Fort. However, what most people, including us, did not know was the existence of its equally fascinating annex at Goregaon.

Image Courtesy: Bharvi Chheda

Word of advice; do not try asking people about Bombay Natural History Society unless you want to keep going round and round because trust us, their rounds are BIG. It is popularly (perhaps even solely) known as BNHS. 

On the completion of their centenary year, the government of Maharashtra presented a massive chunk of land to the organisation for their services. The said services include creating awareness about the natural history and wildlife of Mumbai using engaging pedagogy. This chunk of land was transformed into their nature reserve that we know and love today.

Image Courtesy: Bharvi Chheda

BNHS uses fun-learning methods like birdwatching, leopard trails, butterfly trails and more to popularise their cause. They also provide certificate courses through their Conversation and Education Center every year in subjects such as Ornithology (study of birds), Herpetology (study of reptiles and amphibians), Lepidopterology (study of butterflies), Botany (study of plants), Biodiversity Conservation and Marine Conservation, etc. If a butterfly study group equipped with binoculars and guides in a dense forest doesn't get you excited, we don't know what will.

Image Courtesy: Kausar Madhyia

Their offline activities have been put on hold for the time being owing to the pandemic. We have hopes of them resuming shortly. But before they do, it would be wise to check out their website for exciting membership programs. These programs give you early and discounted access to all the mangal that goes on in the jungle. They are especially sweet on students so no begging, borrowing or stealing required for the fee either.

Where: Film City, Goregaon East, Mumbai suburban, Mumbai

Contact: 022 22821811

To know more about them click here

Information Source: Khaki Heritage Walks in Fort and No FootPrints Nature Hike in Goregaon.