A citizen-led initiative by the Mumbai Coastal Forest (MCF) group aims to convert over 70 hectares of reclaimed coastal land along Mumbai’s Coastal Road into a climate-smart, people-focused green zone. This proposal comes as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) awards a landscaping contract to Reliance under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The MCF’s detailed 40-page plan, aligned with the Mumbai Climate Action Plan, has gained significant public support, with over 39,000 signatures on a petition addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and BMC Chief Bhushan Gagrani.
The proposal features a strategic, zone-wise plantation scheme utilising native flora designed for ecological resilience. The coastal edge would be planted with species such as kewda, sultan champa, and powderpuff mangrove. Central green zones would host trees like lal chitrak, neem, and sacred fig, while areas near residential neighbourhoods would benefit from shade provided by jamul, bakul, and the vibrant amaltas tree.
“We’re not merely planting trees; we’re redefining how this city breathes,” stated an MCF spokesperson. “With rising temperatures and worsening pollution, this is a vital opportunity to build an ecological shield for Mumbai.”
The MCF team plans to engage with the BMC and Reliance to integrate their proposal formally into the ongoing project. Although the BMC’s Coastal Road department has not yet received the formal proposal, officials acknowledge the growing public interest in transforming reclaimed land into valuable green spaces.
This initiative reflects a broader shift in Mumbai’s urban development approach—one that balances infrastructural growth with environmental sustainability, potentially setting a precedent for other Indian cities facing climate challenges.
Source: Urban Acres
