MUMBAI’S OPEN SPACES Maps & A Preliminary Listing Document Prepared by Contents Introduction........................................................2 H(W) ward........................................................54 Mumbai's Open Spaces Data..............................4 K(E) ward.........................................................60 Mumbai's Open Spaces Map...............................5 K(W) ward........................................................66 Mumbai's Wards Map..........................................7 P(N) ward.........................................................72 P(S) ward.........................................................78 City - Maps & Open Spaces List ----------------------------------------------------------------- R(N) ward.........................................................84 A ward................................................................8 R(C) ward.........................................................90 B ward..............................................................12 R(S) ward.........................................................96 C ward..............................................................16 D ward..............................................................20 Central & Eastern - Maps & Open Spaces List ----------------------------------------------------------------- E ward..............................................................24 L ward............................................................100 F(N) ward.........................................................30 M(E) ward.......................................................106 F(S) ward.........................................................36 M(W) ward......................................................110 G(N) ward.........................................................42 N ward............................................................118 G(S) ward.........................................................46 S ward............................................................124 T ward............................................................130 Western Suburbs - Maps & Open Spaces List ----------------------------------------------------------------- H(E) ward.........................................................50 Conclusion.....................................................136 P.K. DAS & ASSOCIATES • 1 Introduction We are interested in looking at the geography of Mumbai and its development from the point of view of open spaces. The state of open spaces we believe reflects the state and quality of life in the city. Also the quality of public open spaces reflects the dignity of public life. Tragically as the city is expanding its open spaces are shrinking. Open spaces include the various Development Plan reservations such as Recreation Grounds (RG), Play Grounds (PG), Parks (P) & Garden’s (G). For us it also includes the invaluable natural assets like mangroves, wetlands, hills, forests, rivers, creeks, beaches, ponds, lakes, the natural coastline, etc. We would like to Re-Vision the city of Mumbai by networking these various open spaces, thus engineering both physically and metamorphically the expansion of open spaces. The Mumbai’s Open Spaces Map & the Preliminary listing document is a necessary step towards the preparation of a vision plan. Let us imagine the map of our city with open spaces being the heart of the planning and development idea and not seen merely from the view point of construction and real estate potential. This is contrary to the general notion about the city being an opportunity for maximum construction and real-estate potential. Our idea is to develop an elaborate system of green connectors in the form of avenues, gardens, promenades, board-walks, cultural squares, etc. that can radically enhance the character & quality of the city’s landscape. These networks will not only better the environmental condition in the city but also provide opportunity for walking, cycling and importantly social networking thus, bringing people together. It is generally known that Mumbai’s Development Plan has around 800 reserved open spaces, by way of RG, PG, G & P. Information about these spaces is available. Our survey has brought to knowledge that there are 2152 reserved open spaces in the above categories, of which 600 spaces have been encroached and in most instances built upon. Comprehensive information about the balance 752 spaces is not available with the Corporation. We wonder if there is even a listing of the above spaces with names, CTS numbers, location, sizes etc. Upon a cursory check with a few ward offices, it is evident that such documentation has not been prepared, nor is there any consolidated information available. All the environmental and ecological assets have not been classified and generally marked as N.D.Z. in the D.P. Our mapping suggests specific classified reservations in the N.D.Z. This situation warrants our intervention to not only prepare a complete inventory of open spaces in our own areas, neighborhoods and wards but to also keep watch over them. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all the open-spaces are protected from abuse and misuse and maintained open and clear forever. The Corporation on the other hand, we hope, prepares a comprehensive record of all the reserved open spaces irrespective of their ownership. If many of these reserved spaces are privately owned but have not been acquired by the Corporation, then their acquisition initiated with utmost priority. Under no circumstances should any permission be granted for building construction on these spaces. Relevant laws and D.C. Regulations must be amended to prevent any form of building construction on these lands. There should not be any time limit for such acquisition by the corporation in larger public interest and the city’s environment. It is the primary responsibility and duty of the Corporation to maintain all the open reserved spaces with citizens participation and various collaborative models in-order to ensure public access and use for their designated purposes. 2 • P.K. DAS & ASSOCIATES Mapping Objective Comprehensive mapping of the open spaces of Mumbai has been carried out by P.K. Das & Associates, Planners & Architects. Open spaces include the various Development Plan reservations RG, PG, P and G. It also includes the diversity of natural assets like hills, forests, lakes, rivers, water bodies, creeks, mangroves, wet-lands, salt pans, beaches and rock formations, which together provide a distinct geographic character to the city, considered here as a part of the open spaces structure. Also promenades and coastal gardens have been included. Encroachments on all the above categories of open spaces have been marked too. Public spaces at railway stations, markets and public amenity buildings too are considered by us as significant open spaces. Recreation grounds provided in the development of large plots and layouts known as layout R.G.’s are not documented due to lack of comprehensive information with the Municipal Corporation. Preparation and publication for the first time of such a comprehensive Open Spaces Map of Mumbai is drawn for the purpose of Re-Visioning Mumbai with open spaces as the basis for the city’s planning and development programmes. A Vision Plan draft with this objective is presently under way, along with detailed ward maps and listing of 1552 available open spaces, besides 501 nos encroached open spaces. This process will culminate in exhibitions to facilitate public participation and dialogue. The idea is to ensure that the open spaces are conserved and protected from all forms of building construction activity. Active public participation in the process of documentation and monitoring of these spaces is essential. This activity may be performed through the various citizens forums, associations, ALM’S etc. In-order to strengthen this joint process; we have carried out an extensive mapping of the reserved spaces. We have collated information from various sources and have also checked the condition and status of these spaces. This survey and study has resulted in this publication of a ‘Mumbai’s Open Spaces Map’ and a ‘Preliminary Listing Document’, with Ward based details. We hope that various authorities and citizen’s bodies will utilize this information to complete this much necessary documentation. Simultaneously there could be a citywide discussion to plan for the protection and maintenance of the reserved open spaces through active citizens participation. We hope to be able to co-ordinate with various citizens’ bodies and the Corporation to fill-in the missing data and correct the same in case of any mistakes. This way we hope to finally produce a comprehensive list and prepare a protection plan for the city’s meager public open spaces. Exhibition and Publication We propose to organize exhibitions at four-five different locations in Mumbai to facilitate maximum participation of citizens, elective representatives, bureaucrats, various government agencies, NGO’ s and private enterprises. Exhibitions at each location will be for a period of atleast 2-3 weeks. Simultaneously, dialogues, seminars & conferences will be organized. Also, publications will be brought out along with the exhibition providing information about open spaces in Mumbai and our proposal for creating green networks and the integration of various open spaces with an objective of Expanding Public Open Spaces in Mumbai. Through these exhibitions and dialogue