Mumbai’s Mahim Nature Park, an important green space near the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), has come under renewed scrutiny amid concerns that the Dharavi Redevelopment Project could affect its land. Environmentalists fear that any encroachment on the park would further reduce the city’s green cover and worsen its pollution challenges.
Located close to Dharavi’s Sector 5, the 37-acre park was developed on land that was previously used as a dumping ground. Following the relocation of waste disposal activities to Deonar and Mankhurd, nature enthusiasts worked to transform the area through extensive plantation efforts. Dr Salim Ali, popularly known as the Birdman of India, planted the first sapling there in 1983.
The park is now managed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), with the Maharashtra Nisarg Udyan Sanstha overseeing its operations. It houses around 14,000 plant species, 120 varieties of birds, more than 75 butterfly varieties and 30 species of spiders and reptiles. Its nursery also offers approximately 550 varieties of medicinal and other plants. Students regularly visit the premises for environmental education.
The possibility of including park land in Dharavi’s redevelopment had surfaced earlier. The Dharavi Redevelopment Authority had once proposed transferring 1.68 lakh square metres from the site for the project, partly to facilitate the use of additional Floor Space Index (FSI) by developers elsewhere. However, strong resistance from environmental groups and political opposition led to the proposal being withdrawn.
The issue has resurfaced following the state government’s push to advance the Dharavi project. Environmental activists, including D Stalin, have warned that they would organise protests and pursue legal action if the park is threatened again.
Given its proximity to the high-value BKC business district, the park’s location has attracted interest. Environmentalists also point to the nearby Mithi River and mangrove ecosystem along Mahim Creek, which provide ecological protection. They warn that disturbing this green space could further weaken Mumbai’s natural environmental safeguards.
Source: National Herald
