Mumbai: After a failed beautification project at Dadar’s Shivaji Park, where a thick layer of red soil was dumped for ground levelling, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) now wants to remove 9 inches of the layer from the ground.
“The decision is taken after a notice from the Pollution Control Board and complaints of dust pollution by locals. A joint meeting was held with experts from the Indian Institute of Technology, local activists and civic officials, and the proposal has been sent to the Municipal Commissioner for final sanction,” a senior BMC officer said.
The proposal to remove an average of 9 inches layer of soil from Shivaji Park comes at a time when Mumbai is grappling with a worsening air quality index and the BMC’s special drive to control dust pollution.
The residents of the Shivaji Park area have been complaining of dust pollution for a couple of years. “It was four to five years ago that the BMC had put red soil on the ground. However, the ground has a high footfall and it was a failed project,” the officer said.
The 28-acre big Shivaji Park, where 70 percent area is plain ground and 30 percent is the green patch, holds historic importance.
Once the BMC Commissioner approves the proposal sent by the G-North ward of the BMC under which Shivaji Park falls, a tender will be floated to carry out the work. “Instead of carrying out the work in phases, we plan to issue a public notice and shut Shivaji Park for eight to 10 days and complete the work,” the senior BMC officer said.
“The notice from the pollution control board came four to five months ago. However, due to several public functions and rallies, the assessment could not be done,” the officer added.
Meanwhile, to control dust pollution at Shivaji Park, the BMC is implementing its dust mitigation activities including water sprinklers, mist machines etc.
Dadar’s Shivaji Park holds national importance. It is not only thronged by locals for walks and fitness and sports enthusiasts, but the ground holds massive political rallies and has also produced legends like Sachin Tendulkar.
