BMC’s Urban Forestry Project Along Mithi River to Open Soon, Bringing Green Space to Marol
Mumbai’s rapid urbanization has led to the disappearance of green spaces, depriving residents of clean air and places to walk and relax. To address this growing concern, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has developed a lush urban forestry park along the Mithi River in Marol.
Spread across three and a half acres, the new green space will feature 10,000 trees from 100 different species, providing Mumbaikars with a refreshing area for walking and recreation. The park, which includes a 500 to 600-meter-long wooden walkway, is nearing completion and is expected to open by October.
Reviving Green Cover with Miyawaki Forests
Large-scale development projects have led to significant tree loss in Mumbai, but the BMC aims to reverse this through initiatives that increase the city’s green cover. Since 2020, the corporation has been implementing the Miyawaki Forest method—a Japanese technique that promotes dense plantation in small spaces, emphasizing fruit-bearing and flowering trees.
Known for its rapid growth and high biodiversity, the Miyawaki technique has been instrumental in enhancing Mumbai’s urban forestry landscape.
Building on this success, the BMC is also creating a Vedic theme park in Malvani, Malad, spanning six and a half acres and featuring 10,000 trees.
Features of the Marol Urban Forestry Park
The Marol project is situated on municipal land along the Mithi River and includes a 1.90-acre garden. Additional land reclaimed from the Marol Cooperative Industrial Estate has expanded the project area.
The park boasts a diverse mix of fruit-bearing trees, medicinal plants, and flowers, creating a natural oasis for residents. Visitors will also enjoy a dedicated butterfly garden, which enhances the park’s ecological diversity.
Prachi Jambhekar, Director of the BMC’s Planning Department, shared, “We have planted 10,000 trees comprising 100 species, including various medicinal plants. A wooden walkway has been installed to allow visitors to stroll through the greenery.” She added that the project began in June of last year and is now in its final stages.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
In a bid to maintain sustainability, the park uses treated wastewater for irrigation. A specific section planted with Kardali trees purifies wastewater before it is used to water other plants in the park. This innovative system ensures the urban forestry remains self-sufficient in maintaining its verdant cover.
Citywide Tree Plantation Drive
Alongside the urban forestry projects, the BMC is launching a massive tree plantation campaign to further enhance air quality and reduce pollution.
The campaign will involve planting 33,750 Miyawaki trees across 26 locations, in addition to 4,416 traditional Indian trees. Rare and native species such as Bakul, Tamhan, Tamarind, Bahawa, Neem, and Mango will be part of this large-scale effort.
The BMC aims to maximize tree planting in parks, open areas, and recreation grounds to combat pollution effectively.
Government Initiatives and Pollution Control
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the BMC to intensify pollution control measures, responding to concerns raised by the High Court about Mumbai’s air quality.
In addition to tree planting, the corporation has undertaken cleanliness drives that include street watering and stricter monitoring of construction sites, which are significant contributors to pollution.
Rules governing polluting construction practices have been enforced rigorously, with actions taken against violators to ensure compliance.
As Mumbai approaches winter—a season known for rising pollution—the BMC is reiterating guidelines and ramping up efforts to maintain clean air for its citizens.
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The Marol urban forestry park and accompanying initiatives represent a significant step towards restoring Mumbai’s green spaces and improving the quality of life for its residents. Keep an eye out for the park’s opening this October and support the city’s journey towards a greener, healthier future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-bmcs-urban-forestry-initiative-brings-greenery-to-mithi-river-launches-citywide-tree-plantation-drive
