Mumbai architects call on BMC to safeguard open spaces from projects
Real Estate

Mumbai architects call on BMC to safeguard open spaces from projects

The Mumbai Architects Collective, in a letter addressed to the BMC commissioner on September 24 and signed by 92 architects, planners, and designers, expressed their concern over a troubling trend of appropriating parks and open spaces for infrastructure projects, commercial use, and parking. They emphasized that such actions undermine the ecological, social, and public value of these areas.

In the letter, they conveyed their deep concerns regarding ongoing threats to key public spaces like the Hanging Gardens, the Racecourse, Aarey Forest, the salt pans, and the unfulfilled promises of open spaces along the Coastal Road. They urged the commissioner to build on the solidarity witnessed at Patwardhan Park and to make a lasting commitment that all open spaces in Mumbai would remain open and accessible to the public indefinitely and under public control. They asserted that safeguarding these spaces is crucial for the city's environmental, social, and economic future.

The letter noted that the open spaces along the Mumbai Coastal Road are yet to be developed, with work planned to begin once the road construction is complete. Over the past weekend, BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani joined residents at Bandra's Raosaheb Patwardhan Park to celebrate the decision to scrap plans for an underground parking lot beneath the garden's playground area.

Furthermore, the collective commended the recent efforts by citizens in preserving Patwardhan Park from being converted into a parking lot. They remarked that the solidarity demonstrated by citizens, political representatives, and the BMC in protecting this vital public resource was commendable, reflecting a similar victory at Pushpa Narsee Park in Juhu. They highlighted that these successes underscore the critical importance of safeguarding open spaces for public use.

The Mumbai Architects Collective, in a letter addressed to the BMC commissioner on September 24 and signed by 92 architects, planners, and designers, expressed their concern over a troubling trend of appropriating parks and open spaces for infrastructure projects, commercial use, and parking. They emphasized that such actions undermine the ecological, social, and public value of these areas. In the letter, they conveyed their deep concerns regarding ongoing threats to key public spaces like the Hanging Gardens, the Racecourse, Aarey Forest, the salt pans, and the unfulfilled promises of open spaces along the Coastal Road. They urged the commissioner to build on the solidarity witnessed at Patwardhan Park and to make a lasting commitment that all open spaces in Mumbai would remain open and accessible to the public indefinitely and under public control. They asserted that safeguarding these spaces is crucial for the city's environmental, social, and economic future. The letter noted that the open spaces along the Mumbai Coastal Road are yet to be developed, with work planned to begin once the road construction is complete. Over the past weekend, BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani joined residents at Bandra's Raosaheb Patwardhan Park to celebrate the decision to scrap plans for an underground parking lot beneath the garden's playground area. Furthermore, the collective commended the recent efforts by citizens in preserving Patwardhan Park from being converted into a parking lot. They remarked that the solidarity demonstrated by citizens, political representatives, and the BMC in protecting this vital public resource was commendable, reflecting a similar victory at Pushpa Narsee Park in Juhu. They highlighted that these successes underscore the critical importance of safeguarding open spaces for public use.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

India’s Maha Kumbh of Road Construction

The RAHSTA Forum 2025, held on June 25 at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, delivered powerful insights and dialogue on the future of India’s roads and highways sector. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the Forum served as the curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2025, set to take place on 3rd and 4th September at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai.Union Minister of Roads Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, while appreciating the efforts of FIRST Construction Council and ASAPP Info Global Group, commended the awards which recognise excellence across various..

Next Story
Real Estate

Built to Last, Designed to Impress

The construction and interior design industries stand at the confluence of functionality and aesthetics, where innovation powers the creation of enduring structures and inspiring spaces. At the heart of this process are materials and solutions that enable architects, designers, and builders to realise their visions with precision and reliability.Featuring iconic brands such as Fevicol—synonymous with adhesive solutions—Dr. Fixit, a complete waterproofing system renowned for addressing every critical area of construction, and Roff, a specialist in tile-fixing solutions, Pidilite has earned ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

New Push to Cut India’s Air Pollution through Power Sector Reforms

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Cummins India introduced CPCB IV+ compliant gensets to India on July 5, 2023, marking a paradigm shift in the power generation industry. These generators are engineered to adhere to the progressive emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Being the first sets in the field, they have garnered praise for their remarkable achievements in emissions reduction and cutting-edge technology. Powerica, with its four-decade-long partnership with Cummins India Limited, is dedicated to consistently deliver th..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?