The recently inaugurated elevated nature trail walkway at Malabar Hill and its popularity among the citizens is a testament to how the people of this city cherish its green spaces. A similar demonstration of love for nature was observed as a group named ‘Mumbai Coastal Forest’ started an online petition in February, addressing PM Narendra Modi, CM Devendra Fadnavis, DCM Eknath Shinde and BMC Chief Bhushan Gagrani, to build a forest cover along the newly opened Mumbai Coastal Road. The team of MCF includes climate experts, architects and residents who deeply feel that this is an opportunity to transform the city and fight back against many environmental issues.
The underdeveloped land along the Coastal Road is soon to be landscaped by the BMC, this project has been awarded to Reliance under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). While talking with M. M. Swami, Chief Engineer Mumbai Coastal Road Project, about BMS’s suggested plan for the empty land, he mentioned some of the propositions made by the city planners and architects during a one-day workshop in April 2023 while creating the coastal road landscaping plan. (Video IMG_8265) He said, “After our studies and research we have a few conditions like building a biodiversity park and butterfly garden that we will be suggesting for implementation.” (The link to video IMG_8257)
The need for green space is higher than ever in the city today. “The per capita requirement for green space in the city is far lower from what is needed. Therefore this proposal of a coastal forest can definitely help the city,” informs M. M. Swami. A native forest, unlike gardens and parks, does not require much maintenance and is more sustainable. Nature treats everyone equally, therefore, we interviewed people of Mumbai from different demographics. Here is what they had to say about the need for such a space and the issues it will help tackle. (Link to a compilation of people talking about the need) The list of environmental impacts we are fighting today is a long one. Check out this article detailing about the city’s fight with ecological concerns.
We asked Arushi Shah, a volunteer at Mumbai Coastal Forest, about their next step to push this movement forward. (Hyperlink to Arushi video) “As the residents and users of this public land, we are open to collaborate with all the stakeholders involved in the process including the private company that will be taking this plan ahead,” she said.
This initiative, if implemented, will give a boost to the Mumbai Climate Action Plan launched in 2022, to mitigate the impact of climate change. Mumbai is the city of dreams, and the future of this city is demanding a greener tomorrow.
