MUMBAI: A 12,964 square meter (3.2 acre) recreational land in Marol, Andheri (east), along the Mithi river, will become what is proposed as Mumbai’s first public urban forest. The land, reserved as recreational land (ROS 1.4) under the Development Plan (DP), currently remains largely undeveloped despite hosting around 150 trees. The BMC now plans to develop the space as an interactive center with nature.The concept envisions a biodiversity-focused space that integrates ecological restoration with recreational services for all age groups. Nitin Shukla, deputy municipal commissioner of K East ward, said the planning department had earlier proposed to include the land in the second phase of the city’s urban forest project, but the plan did not materialise. “Subsequently, it was decided to explore the development of the plot through corporate social responsibility (CSR) financing. We have received CSR funds and the work has started,” Shukla said.
The Marol recreational land will be developed as Mumbai’s first urban forest.
The proposed forest will feature features such as a Miyawaki forest patch, bird habitat areas, a bamboo arboretum, native grasslands, butterfly gardens, sacred groves and medicinal plant areas. Recently, local MP Murji Patel wrote to the BMC stating that although the plot of land exists, it currently remains unusable for residents of his constituency and should therefore be converted into open space accessible to the public.Deputy municipal commissioner Vishwas Mote said that in the face of climate change, such projects are essential. “Projects like these are the need of the hour. Apart from benefiting the environment, they will also help the residents of the area as the park will include public amenities such as nature walking trails, children’s play areas, lawns, outdoor exercise areas, seating spaces for senior citizens and specially designed gardens for children and the elderly,” Mote said.While work on the project has already started, it is expected to be completed next year, said Pradeep Tripathi, founder of NGO Green Yatra, which is implementing the project through CSR funding.“The timeline is mainly because the plot has a lot of debris that needs to be cleared before the plantation can begin. After plantation, we also need the trees to grow to a certain height before opening the space to the public, so that they can withstand possible damage,” Tripathi said. “The plan includes planting flowering trees as well as species that attract birds throughout the year. The park will also feature a dedicated toddler area with a play area designed for children under two years of age.“