127 Mumbai Architects Urge Govt To Protect Open Spaces, Warn Against Piecemeal Development

Mumbai's architects warn against piecemeal development, urging the government to safeguard open spaces. A statement from the Mumbai Architects Collective (MAC), signed by 127 professionals, addressed the Chief Minister and Municipal Commissioner. The MAC expressed concerns over proposals for playgrounds, parks, BEST bus depots, and Coastal Road open spaces, urging assessments of their cumulative impact on the city's public realm.

While acknowledging the need for development, the architects stressed that it should enhance the city's livability without diminishing its public assets. Mumbai currently boasts only 1.58 square meters of public open space per person, far less than cities like London and New York. The architects proposed a holistic approach to open spaces, emphasizing their role in stormwater management, groundwater recharge, flood reduction, air quality improvement, temperature moderation, and biodiversity support.

They called for integrated water management and additional amenities accompanying higher redevelopment densities, such as schools, healthcare facilities, mobility infrastructure, tree cover, and water infrastructure. The MAC also recommended that the BMC publish an annual report on public infrastructure to enhance transparency and accountability.