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From maximizing green plantations to reducing tourist attractions on busy roads, Mumbai residents have written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to provide suggestions for the proposed landscaping plan for 70 hectares of open space along the coastal highway. Two weeks after the civic body sought suggestions from residents and architects who raised concerns over the new plan, BMC officials said they will incorporate viable suggestions into the existing plan.
According to BMC officials, the final tender will be floated in June once the revised concept plan is approved. While the tender cost is estimated to be as high as Rs 1,000 crore, the work is expected to start after the monsoon.
On March 14, BMC unveiled new landscaping plans for 70 hectares of open space along the coastal highway and announced a series of landscaping projects in three separate themed extensions on the landward side, including dense Miyawaki forest, bicycle Tao and Butterfly Garden etc. Meanwhile, the municipal body is planning to develop themed neighborhoods and a 7.5-km-long promenade on the seaside.
However, the plans faced strong criticism from city architects and residents at an open day meeting, prompting senior civic officials to seek their advice.
Two weeks later, senior city officials said they had received some suggestions from residents and would review the current plans and incorporate practical suggestions before finalizing the concept plan.
Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior BMC official said, “We have received very few suggestions so far. From next week, we will look into these and try to incorporate feasible and practical suggestions. Therefore, We will update the concept plan. Once the plan is approved, we will call for bids.”
Among the main suggestions received so far are calls from residents and planners to maximize green plantations. “We have also received suggestions from residents of Breach Candy who are concerned about Bhulabhai Desai Road becoming more congested due to Tata Garden entrance and parking spaces,” the official added.
Meanwhile, proposals from some urban planners call for the use of native plantations, improved connectivity between landside and seaside spaces, and 24×7 open area access.
Officials insist, however, that planning on when the space will be open will be decided at a later stage, subject to safety and other aspects.
The civic body has divided the landscaping project into three thematic sections. The first section, “Green Coast”, starts near Priyadarshini Park and is 3.8 kilometers long, ending at Amarsons Junction and connecting to the “Nature Bay” section, which stretches 7.2 kilometers up to Lovegrove. The final stretch of the route, known as the ‘Park Line’, is proposed to be built between Lovegrove nalla and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link connector in Worli, with a total length of 6.5 kilometers and is mostly straight.
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