41 new gardens, playgrounds to help Mumbai breathe better soon

Tendering process of 25 gardens, 16 playgrounds is in final stage, say BMC officials

Mumbai is all set to get 25 new gardens and 16 new playgrounds in different parts of the city soon. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is in the final stages of the tendering process for these 41 new open spaces, said senior civic officials.

A plot procured by the BMC in Borivli for the project. (HT)

These new open spaces have been reserved for gardens/playgrounds in the city's Development Plan (DP) 2034, which is a 20-year vision plan for the city. Though the plan is still pending for final approval from the state government, the corporation has undertaken work on municipal plots as of now. It is also developing segregation centres and working women's hostels on municipal plots.

"These are plots which belong to the corporation and no objections have been raised against them. Therefore, the civic body can go ahead with the implementation of the reservations," a senior civic official said.

READ:Mumbai civic body reclaims 2 open spaces in Bandra and Santacruz, serves notices to 4 others

Officials said the new open spaces together account for 21,80,000 square ft of open area for the city. The BMC has budgeted Rs30 crore for their development.

Experts have always pointed out that Mumbai, which is starved for green spaces, needs more recreational areas. For a Mumbaiite, average open space available is 1.24 sq m. Even the national capital, Delhi, which is among the most polluted cities in the country, fares far better than the financial capital at 4.5 sq m per person.

Currently the city has 1,042 gardens and playgrounds. Of the 41 new open spaces, a garden measuring 5.28 lakh sq ft, the largest, is coming up at Amboli in Oshiwara. The largest playground from the list will be developed at Malad admeasuring 1.05 lakh sq ft, reveals BMC data.

The other playgrounds and gardens will be developed in areas like Borivili, Charkop, Andheri, Oshiwara, Kandivili, Malad, Bandra, Byculla, Deonar, Mahul and Mulund, confirmed civic officials.