Tree plantation has finally commenced along the open space sections of the Coastal Road project in Mumbai. Work has begun in pockets of Worli and is expected to start soon at Breach Candy, according to civic officials.
Soil Testing and Land Preparation Underway
Officials stated that soil testing and land preparation are currently underway to determine which tree species can sustainably survive on the reclaimed land. A pre-monsoon target has been set to plant approximately 15,000 trees, while the broader landscaping plan envisions nearly 60,000 trees and over two lakh shrubs to be introduced in phases over the next couple of years.
Details of the Coastal Road Project
The 10.6-kilometer Coastal Road (south) project involved reclaiming nearly 111 hectares from the sea. Of this, around 40 hectares have been utilized for the road, interchanges, bridge approaches, and related infrastructure. The remaining area is proposed to be developed into public open spaces featuring promenades, gardens, cycling and walking tracks, urban forests, and recreational zones.
Nurseries Supporting Plantation Drive
Officials said two nurseries are being developed to support the plantation drive. One is already operational at Worli, opposite Piramal House, and another is coming up at Breach Candy, behind the L&T site office near Amarsons Garden. At the Worli nursery, a mix of trees, shrubs, and plants is currently being acclimatized to study how they respond to saline coastal conditions.
"As this is reclaimed land, layers of murum soil and earth filling are being carried out before landscaping begins. Around 900 millimeters below the earth level had been kept for filling and soil treatment works," said an official associated with the project. He added that the reclamation material was earlier topped with around 400 millimeters of murum filling, and additional soil is now being brought in for plantation. "The idea is to first test how the plants fare in this environment before taking up large-scale plantation," the official said.
CSR Initiative by Reliance Foundation
Landscaping and development of open spaces have been undertaken by Reliance Foundation under a CSR initiative, at no cost to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In February, a draft concept plan for Coastal Road Gardens was presented to a group of south Mumbai residents in the presence of former civic chief Bhushan Gagrani. The proposal included forested areas, Miyawaki micro-forest pockets, urban woodland spaces, promenades, and recreational facilities.
Phased Implementation Over 24 Months
The overall landscaping project is expected to be implemented in phases over the next 24 months. Certain portions, including modifications around the Haji Ali parking area structures, are undergoing design revisions, an official said. "Near the Mahalaxmi Mandir portion of open spaces, there are plans to create a spiritual zone, while below the Haji Ali flyover, the idea is to develop tennis and badminton courts along with a children's play area," an official added.
