Mumbai: Mumbaikars can expect to see a green Shivaji Park starting June this year as the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to develop green patches on the ground to control dust pollution.
On Monday, the MPCB issued a fresh notice to BMC’s Environment Department directing time-bound actions to be taken to control the flying red dust. The main measures include sowing grass seeds before the monsoon begins and appointing a ‘curator’ to maintain the ground among others.
The Free Press Journal had reported on February 2nd that BMC is set to scrap its original plan to remove a 9-inch soil layer from Dadar’s Shivaji Park to address the problem of flying dust after IIT-B experts told the MPCB that that soil removal is not a feasible long-term solution. The IIT-B instead advised growing grass which can hold the soil.
MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam said, “We have issued time-bound directions to ensure work is done before monsoon. By April end the BMC needs to study and identify which variety of grass will hold in the existing soil at Shivaji Park and identify the green patches to be developed. By the end of May, the civic body has to finalize the variety of grass and start planting grass seeds by June first week to allow the grass to grow naturally in the monsoon.”
Kadam added that BMC will bear the expenses for the work including appointing a curator. He also added that to ensure sustainability, the BMC can set up a mini Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) on or near the ground and instead of fresh water, the treated water will be used to water the grass.
The MPCB issued the directions to the BMC under section 33A of Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and under section 31A of Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
A senior officer from BMC’s Environment Department told the FPJ that the notice will be forwarded to the G-North ward office which will be responsible for implementing the measures directed by the MPCB. Ward Officer Ajitkumar Ambi was not available for any comment.
It was in 2021 that the BMC dumped a thick layer of red soil on Shivaji Park as part of its beautification project. However, it failed and residents complained of rising dust pollution. Taking note of residents’ complaints, the MPCB had issued a first notice to BMC in March 2023 to address the problem of dust flying in Shivaji Park, which is also deteriorating the air quality.
As per the new policy laid down by the MPCB, no digging work will be allowed at Shivaji Park henceforth. The ground hosts major political and public events for which tents and stages are set up.
MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam said, “The organizers need to use the latest technology, which is easily available in the market, to install tents and stages. No digging will be allowed at Shivaji Park. This applies to the nets installed for cricket practice and other sports activities.” The decision has been taken to maintain the green patches to be developed on the ground.
