Mumbai’s Real Estate and the Push for More Open Spaces

Mumbai, the financial capital of India has been witnessing a rapid growth in its real estate sector. As a result, the city’s green cover and open spaces have been shrinking at an alarming rate. Mumbai’s infrastructural development coupled with its booming real estate industry has come at a hefty cost, forcing citizens to fight for their right to open spaces.

The increase in the population of the city has put an immense pressure on its limited land resources. The high demand has led to a surge in development of commercial and residential properties, with little to no consideration for open spaces. Mumbai now has one of the lowest per capita open space ratios in the world.

The shrinking of open spaces has many environmental and health impacts. Open spaces reduce the effects of heat, absorb air pollutants, reduce noise pollution and more importantly provide a much-needed space for children to play and adults to exercise. The lack of these spaces can be detrimental to the mental and physical well-being of its residents.

Mumbai’s citizens have been fighting for their right to open spaces for years. However, it was only after the Supreme Court order of 2014, that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was compelled to increase the per capita open space ratio. The BMC’s Development Plan 2034, has proposed to increase the per capita open space ratio to 3.5 square meters per person in the city.

While the BMC’s plan is a step in the right direction, many environmentalists and citizen groups have raised concerns about the implementation of the plan. The plan proposes the opening up of land parcels, which have largely remained untouched because of their ecological value. Citizens groups have raised concerns over the potential environmental damage that this move may cause.

Additionally, a recent study revealed that many open spaces in the city have encroachments, which make it difficult for citizens to access them. The BMC has promised to remove these encroachments and develop these spaces for the public.

Despite the challenges, many citizens and organizations have worked tirelessly to create and maintain open spaces in the city. The Inner Wheel Club of Mumbai, for instance, has been instrumental in creating numerous open spaces in the city through their Adopt-a-Park Initiative.

There are several ways in which the city can create and maintain open spaces. The government can incentivize real estate developers who set aside spaces in their projects for public use. Citizen groups can also work with the government to create community-led open spaces that are maintained through the participation of the citizens.

Mumbai’s real estate growth story is remarkable, and it has led to a significant economic development for the city. However, it is time for the city to find a balance between development and sustainability. The creation and maintenance of open spaces are crucial for the overall well-being of its citizens and the city. The government and citizens must work together to ensure that Mumbai’s green cover is not sacrificed in the name of progress.

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