Mumbai is currently experiencing unprecedented construction activity, from major infrastructure projects such as the metro and the coastal road to the redevelopment of many older buildings. In short, there's sound, air, and visual pollution across the city in search of an improved future. Today is, therefore, being sacrificed but will there really be a better tomorrow?
The success of development lies in achieving a balance between the built and the unbuilt. The unbuilt defines the built, gives perspective to the city, and breathes character into neighbourhoods. Open spaces provide much-needed respite, acting as the city's lungs, with their trees and shade, creating habitats for birds and serving as social spaces where people can meet, play and relax.
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Unfortunately, the rapid growth in population and the built environment hasn't been matched by a corresponding growth in open spaces. In fact, many of our open spaces are currently under threat. Aarey forest is now a metro shed, despite several viable alternatives. Mahalakshmi racecourse runs the risk of being turned into an amusement park. In Bandra, Patwardhan Park is being proposed as a multistorey underground and overground parking lot, and Vaswani Garden at the SV Road and Linking Road junction is slated to become an entry point and staircase to the Metro being built. This approach to "urban planning and development" is not
only destructive but also counterproductive. By losing these parks and gardens, we lose valuable green infrastructure that helps prevent flooding, mitigates urban heat islands, and enhances the city's connection with nature. We need more open spaces that are accessible to everyone, enriching the lives of all citizens.
The absence of an effective open spaces policy worsens the situation. Open space condonation allows builders to officially encroach upon designated open spaces within their developments and upon payment of a fee, regularise this encroachment at the discretion of the municipal commissioner. The BMC is actively involved in either building on its own open spaces or giving them away to private entities. This short-sighted approach impoverishes the city and jeopardises the well-being of its residents, Without open spaces, we all suffer.
To emphasise the importance of open spaces, let's compare Mumbai's open space index to that of developed cities like London (33%), New York (27%), Hong Kong (40%), and Singapore (47%). Mumbai has a mere 2.5% of open space, highlighting the urgent need for action. It is a clear reflection of how underdeveloped as a city we are. In none of these cities, are open spaces compromised to "develop", quite the contrary, without open spaces they would be considered poorer cities. Mumbaikars love visiting such cities and even BMC officials take "study visits" to understand their success. There is a misguided belief that citizens advocating the protection of open spaces are merely activists and antidevelopment. In reality, it is the government and municipal authorities who are destroying the natural and built environment using taxpayers' money. Another misconception is the notion that there is insufficient land for development, Development must incorporate open spaces as an integral part. It requires a robust budget and a strong vision aimed at enhancing people's lifestyles, promoting mental and physical well-being, and reaping additional environmental benefits.
The city's challenge also lies in the stark contrast between the rich and the poor. Open spaces are often viewed as expendable by the affluent, who have access to gated communities and exclusive clubs, and they resist any encroachment by the less fortunate, Consequently, any campaign to protect open spaces is fractured and there is no consensus; the government left to its own machinations can do what it will.
Unfortunately, we have a system of governance that allows for the misuse of power and funds. Vanity projects such as the Bullet Train, which will destroy over 22,000 mangroves, and the Coastal Road which reclaims and only to be occupied by parking lots and structures, prioritise private vehicle infrastructure over human beings and nature.
We are constantly reminded of the increasing number of cars and the perceived need for more roads. However, both the government and the people often overlook the fact that this is primarily due to the growing population, which consequently necessitates the creation of more open spaces, universal access, and better public transport as well. Recognising the crucial role of open spaces in Mumbai is imperative. They contribute to the city's livability, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life. Protecting and expanding open spaces should be a fundamental priority in urban planning and development, ensuring a healthier future for all.
The solution to these problems lies in design-focused and long-term thinking. Holistic planning is essential and reliance on citizens constantly battling to save the city must end. After all, we are tax-paying citizens in a democratic nation.
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