Mumbai’s shrinking open spaces have come under renewed scrutiny after civic records showed that reservations on 17 public plots have been altered over the past four years, with several parcels shifted towards residential, commercial or other non-recreational uses.
The changes have triggered criticism from Opposition leaders, who allege that Mumbai’s limited gardens, playgrounds and recreation grounds are gradually being replaced by construction and other developments. The issue has gained attention amid concerns over the city’s growing density and shortage of accessible open spaces.
Documents reviewed by Mirror indicate that reservation changes increased during the period when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) operated without an elected general body. Several modifications were made between 2022 and 2026, while Opposition leaders claim that further changes involving 10 plots have taken place since the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance assumed control of the civic body in January 2026.
One prominent case involves the 8,450-square-metre Neville D’Souza Football Ground in Bandra, where the existing playground reservation has been proposed for change to facilitate an Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi said information obtained from the BMC Development Plan department indicates that several parcels originally intended for public and recreational purposes have been reassigned.
Among the examples cited is a 3,846-square-metre plot in Wadala, reserved as a nature area associated with salt pans, which was unreserved to facilitate storage facilities for EVM and VVPAT machines. In Byculla, a 1,375-square-metre parcel reserved for a garden and zoo expansion was changed to residential use in February 2022.
Other changes include a 1,000-square-metre recreation ground in Chembur being reserved for a club, while an 800-square-metre garden plot in Worli was converted for residential use in 2024. A recreation ground in Naigaon was designated for a BMC sports complex, while a Juhu garden reservation was deleted in January 2025.
Not every change involves private development. Borivali’s Leisure Park reservation was changed to a municipal school, while a Mulund garden parcel was designated for a bird park.
Azmi alleged, “The BJP-ruled BMC seems more interested in deleting reservations on Mumbai’s open plots. We are raising our voice against it, but they have the numbers. Even while the case concerning the Bandra football ground is pending before the court, the reservation has been cancelled,” he said. “We are exploring the legal options available to challenge this approach,” he added.
The developments have renewed debate over protecting Mumbai’s remaining public open spaces, which experts say are important for recreation, public health, heat reduction and overall urban liveability.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
