MMRDA faces stiff opposition over makeover of nature park

Mumbai: While the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has selected the final design for the makeover of the Maharashtra Nature Park (MNP) at Dharavi, the Shiv Sena and environmental activists have vowed to continue their opposition to the project, which also includes a pedestrian-and-cyclist-only bridge over the Mithi river.

A design prepared by Sameep Padora and Associates, Design Cell and Ratan J. Batliboi Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (Mumbai), with Schlaich Bergermann Partner (Germany) and Ladybird Environmental Consulting LLP, has been selected for the project. A global design competition was conducted by MMRDA and its knowledge partner, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Mumbai, to select the best design for the makeover. Thirty multi-disciplinary teams from around the world participated in the competition.

However, the makeover of MNP has been mired in controversy with environmentalists expressing concerns that it would adversely affect the green cover of the park. The 37-acre park is home to over 18,000 trees, 128 types of birds, 82 species of butterflies, and over 32 reptiles. As per the plan, the park will be connected to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) by a walkway. It also includes construction of a parking lot within the park, along with a promenade or area reserved for recreational activities.

Gautam Kirtane from ORF said, “We will not compromise on the tree cover. In fact, we want to maximise green cover and increase footfalls inside the nature park. The Mithi River will also be cleaned as part of the project.”  Environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali said, “I have not seen the final design. But if it is going to destroy biodiversity of the park, we will oppose it tooth and nail.” The Sena, however, said it would continue to oppose the project.