BMC plans Mumbai’s first public urban forest on 3.2-acre plot in Andheri’s Marol

A 12,964-sqm (3.2-acre) recreation ground in Marol, Andheri (East), along the Mithi River, is set to be developed into what is proposed as Mumbai's first public urban forest, offering a new green space for residents.

The plot, reserved as a recreation ground (ROS 1.4) under the Development Plan (DP), currently remains largely undeveloped despite hosting around 150 trees, making it an underused area in the neighbourhood.

The BMC now plans to convert the space into a nature interactive centre that will combine environmental restoration with recreational opportunities for the public.

The project envisions a biodiversity-focused space integrating ecological restoration with amenities suitable for all age groups, encouraging interaction with nature while promoting environmental awareness.

Nitin Shukla, assistant municipal commissioner of K East ward, said the planning department had earlier proposed including the plot in the second phase of the city's urban forest project, but it did not materialise. "Subsequently, it was decided to explore developing the plot through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding instead. We have received CSR funds and work has begun," he added.

The proposed urban forest will feature a Miyawaki forest patch, bird habitat zones, a bamboo arboretum, native grasslands, butterfly gardens, sacred groves, and medicinal plant zones, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem for both flora and fauna.

Local MLA Murji Patel recently wrote to the BMC, stating that although the land parcel exists, it currently remains unusable for residents in his constituency and should therefore be developed into an accessible open space for the public.

Deputy municipal commissioner Vishwas Mote highlighted the importance of such initiatives in the context of climate change, saying, "Projects like these are the need of the hour. Apart from benefiting the environment, they will also help residents in the area, as the park will include public amenities such as natural walking pathways, children's play areas, lawns, open-air fitness zones, senior citizen seating spaces, and specially designed gardens for children and the elderly."

In addition to greenery, the park will include natural walking pathways, children’s play areas, lawns, open-air fitness zones, seating spaces for senior citizens, and specially designed gardens catering to both children and the elderly.

Pradeep Tripathi, founder of the NGO Green Yatra, which is implementing the project through CSR funding, said, "The timeline is mainly because the plot has a large amount of debris that needs to be cleared before plantation can begin. After plantation, we also need the trees to grow to a certain height before opening the space to the public, so that they can withstand possible damage," He also noted the plan includes flowering trees and species that attract birds throughout the year, along with a toddler zone for children below two years of age.

The plantation plan includes flowering trees and species that attract birds throughout the year, helping create a vibrant urban biodiversity space while making the park engaging for visitors and nature enthusiasts.