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Mumbai Coastal Road: Forest vs. Attractions Row
29 Sep
Summary
- Citizens group urges native coastal forest over attractions.
- Concerns raised over proposed zoo, food zones, and cultural spaces.
- Group seeks maximum forest cover and minimum hardscape on reclaimed land.
A citizens' group, Mumbai Coastal Forest, has raised significant concerns about the proposed design for the 130-acre "green necklace" along Mumbai's Coastal Road. The group argues that the reclaimed land should be primarily utilized for a large native coastal forest, emphasizing its potential as climate infrastructure and public open space.
These concerns stem from the masterplan's inclusion of visitor attractions such as a zoo, aviary, petting zoo, food zones, and cultural spaces. The group contends that an attraction-led approach contradicts the objective of creating a "green lung" for the city. They advocate for maximum forest cover and minimal hardscape.
Further issues raised include potential traffic congestion in older, residential neighborhoods adjacent to the reclaimed land. The group is calling for comprehensive traffic and crowd-management plans before access arrangements are finalized. They suggest leveraging the existing Coastal Road and promenade for mobility.
The group has formally communicated its proposals to the Chief Minister and Reliance Foundation chairperson, urging meaningful consultation with residents and environmental groups before the masterplan is finalized. They emphasize Mumbai's limited opportunities for creating large-scale coastal urban forests.
