Mumbai: The BMC's move to dereserve a one-acre plot on Carmichael Road, South Mumbai, as part of the Development Plan (DP) 2034 has raised concerns among local residents, who fear it may lead to unwanted development. Originally reserved for a children’s park, this valuable open space is now at risk.
Environmental activist Zoru Bhathena has pointed out that the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations protect such plots, classifying them as Non-Development Zones (NDZ), which restricts development. He plans to write to authorities to address the issue and ensure these environmental protections are upheld.
The prime 4,500-square-meter plot on Carmichael Road or ML Dahanukar Marg has been at the center of discussions regarding dereservation multiple times over the past decade. Originally set aside for a children's park in 1991, the plot has consistently sparked opposition from local residents who have campaigned to preserve it as green space.
However, to their surprise, despite continued resistance, the plot has been dereserved in the DP 2034. A local resident voiced their frustration, saying, "Malabar Hill area is a gold mine for developers, with a nexus of officials all hand in glove with each other. Forget the children's park now; some high-rise will soon be there."
Bhathena pointed out that, "All green plots in Mumbai under the CRZ are protected as NDZ, meaning they cannot be de-greened by changing the land reservation. Since the Carmichael Road plot falls under the CRZ, I will write to the CRZ Authority to look into the matter."
Local sources reminded that in 2017, the plot was proposed for residential development, but residents from Altamount Road, Pedder Road, and Carmichael Road united to successfully re-reserve it as a children's park in the then proposed DP.
In 2002, the civic general body passed a resolution to acquire the private plot, but the transaction was not completed within the required timeframe, causing the acquisition to fall through.
Meanwhile, an official from BMC's Development Plan department clarified, "The BMC had originally proposed to reserve it as a green plot. However, during the planning of the 2034 DP, structures were observed in the area. As per the planning commission, it was de-reserved in 2018."
