Mumbai's First Public Urban Forest to Rise on Marol's Mithi Riverfront
In a significant green initiative for India's financial capital, a 12,964-square-meter (approximately 3.2-acre) recreation ground located in Marol, Andheri East, along the banks of the Mithi River, is poised for transformation into what civic authorities are proposing as Mumbai's inaugural public urban forest.
From Undeveloped Plot to Ecological Haven
The plot, designated as a recreation ground (ROS 1.4) under the city's Development Plan, has remained largely undeveloped despite hosting around 150 existing trees. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now unveiled plans to convert this space into a nature interactive centre, blending ecological restoration with community-focused recreational facilities.
Nitin Shukla, assistant municipal commissioner of the K East ward, revealed that the planning department had initially considered including this plot in the second phase of Mumbai's urban forest project, but those plans did not advance. "Subsequently, we decided to explore developing the plot through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding instead. We have successfully secured CSR funds, and preparatory work has already commenced," Shukla stated.
Comprehensive Biodiversity and Amenity Design
The envisioned urban forest will incorporate multiple ecological and recreational elements designed to serve all age groups. Key features include a Miyawaki forest patch—a dense, fast-growing plantation method—along with dedicated bird habitat zones, a bamboo arboretum, native grasslands, butterfly gardens, sacred groves, and medicinal plant zones.
Deputy municipal commissioner Vishwas Mote emphasized the project's timeliness in addressing climate challenges. "Projects like these are absolutely essential in the current era. Beyond environmental benefits, they will significantly enhance the quality of life for local residents. The park will offer public amenities such as natural walking pathways, children's play areas, expansive lawns, open-air fitness zones, seating spaces for senior citizens, and specially designed gardens catering to both children and the elderly," Mote explained.
Community Advocacy and Implementation Timeline
Local MLA Murji Patel recently communicated with the BMC, noting that while the land parcel exists, it remains inaccessible and unusable for constituents. He advocated for its development into a publicly accessible open space, aligning with the BMC's current plans.
Pradeep Tripathi, founder of the NGO Green Yatra, which is implementing the project through CSR funding, provided insights into the timeline. "Work has already begun, and we anticipate completion within the next year. The schedule accounts for the substantial debris clearance required before plantation can start. Post-plantation, we need the trees to reach a certain height before opening the space to the public, ensuring they are resilient to potential damage," Tripathi detailed.
He added, "Our planting strategy includes flowering trees and species that attract birds year-round. Additionally, the park will feature a dedicated toddler zone with a play area specifically designed for children under two years of age."
A Model for Urban Green Spaces
This project represents a pioneering step in Mumbai's urban planning, demonstrating how underutilized public land can be revitalized through collaborative funding models. By integrating biodiversity conservation with recreational infrastructure, the Marol urban forest aims to set a benchmark for future green initiatives in densely populated metropolitan areas, addressing both ecological and social needs in the face of ongoing urban and climate pressures.
