In an ambitious attempt to rejuvenate mangroves in Mumbai, the state government is about to launch a Rs 50 lakh mangrove plantation programme covering 60 hectares across the city this weekend.

On Saturday, volunteers armed with pickaxes and shovels will enter mangrove areas abutting the Eastern Express Highway to remove garbage and break bunds that obstruct the flow of tidal waters. The programme will kick off near the Bhandup sewage pumping station to mark the World Wetlands Day on February 2.