New Delhi: A 12,964 square kilometre, approximately 3.2 acres of land, currently being used as a recreation ground in Mumbai, will soon be converted into an urban forest. The ground lies in Marol in Andheri (East), along the Mithi river. The plot on which this urban forest is planned to be developed has been categorised as a recreation ground under the Development Plan of the city.
Ground is underdeveloped
According to a report in the Times of India, this ground is currently very underdeveloped, despite having 150 trees. The BMC is now planning to develop the area into a nature interactive space with lots of trees and greenery.
The concept is to develop a space which integrates both a recreational space and is biodiversity focused. They want to fully restore the area and also provide space for recreational purposes, which can be used by all age groups.
According to the Assistant Municipal Commissioner of K east ward, this urban forest is being developed under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan. The work on the project has already started, he added.
The proposed forest will have different zones. It is proposed to build a Miyawaki forest patch, bird habitat zones, a bamboo arboretum, native grasslands, butterfly gardens, sacred groves and a medicinal plant zone here. The local MLA Murji Patel had taken up the issue of redeveloping the land, so that it can be used by the locals of the area.
Project important in face of changing climatic conditions
Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Vishwas Mote called the project important in face of the changing climatic conditions. He said that this project will increase green cover in the area and also benefit the local residents of the area. It will provide walking pathways, playing area for kids, senior citizens sitting areas and open-air fitness zones.
The entire project is expected to be completed within a year, said Pradeep Tripathi, founder of the NGO Green Yatra. This NGO is implementing this project through CSR funding.