If you’ve been to Mumbai at least once, you must’ve realised how limited open spaces like playgrounds and sports grounds are. But that may not improve anytime soon because Mumbai could lose two gardens and one football field. Here’s why!
Mumbai Could Lose More Open Spaces Soon
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already started planning to change the use of three plots of land in Mumbai and how they will be used in the future. As per Hindustan Times, the civic body has proposed changes for two plots in Malabar Hill and one large ground at Bandra Reclamation. If approved, two small plots that are currently marked as gardens in South Mumbai will become residential land again. At the same time, a football ground in Bandra West could turn into an exhibition or convention centre.
To make these land-use changes official, the BMC has submitted proposals under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. These proposals will first be reviewed by the civic improvements committee before any further decision is taken.
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How Big Are These Open Plots?
The two Malabar Hill plots together cover 57.32 square metres. Hindustan Times reported that one plot measures 15.89 square metres, while the other is 41.43 square metres. According to BMC records, Dipali Goenka and Balakrishna Goenka, through Sanjeev Jhurani, asked the state urban development department in February 2025 to remove the garden status from these plots and allow them to be used for residential purposes again.
Under the Revised Development Plan of 1991, these plots were marked for residential use. However, under Mumbai’s Development Plan 2034, these plots were included in a bigger garden and park reservation connected to nearby reclaimed coastal land. Officials believe the reservation may have been added to these plots by mistake.
However, it is still not clear whether these open spaces will turn into residential zones. The civic body mentioned that since the combined area is less than 1,000 square metres, development under adjustment reservation rules is not possible. At present, the land serves as an access passage and covered parking area for nearby properties.
Before any final decision, the BMC will invite public suggestions and objections and hold hearings on the proposals.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ sham prakash
FAQs
Why Mumbai may lose three open spaces?
Mumbai may lose three open spaces as BMC is planning to put them into residential use.
Where are the three open spaces that might turn into residential land located?
Among the three open spaces, two are located in Malabar Hill in South Mumbai and one in Bandra Reclamation in Bandra West.
How are the three open spaces currently being used?
The Malabar Hill plots are currently used as a parking area, while the Bandra plot functions as a football ground with a turf facility.