ANDPL to rejuvenate 40,000 trees within Dharavi, build 3.3-km Mithi River riverfront
Mumbai, Aug 3
In a bid to give residents better access to green public spaces, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project will place the rejuvenation of the Mithi River at the centre of a new green-blue network - designed to improve the environment and create healthier spaces across one of Mumbai's most densely-populated neighbourhoods, it was announced on Monday.
As part of this vision, around 40,000 trees will be rejuvenated in phases within Dharavi. In addition, nearly two lakh compensatory trees will be planted across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
A key feature of Dharavi's redevelopment is the creation of a 3.3-km public promenade along the rejuvenated Mithi River, stretching from the Matunga culvert to the Mithi riverfront.
The promenade will be open to all Mumbaikars and will include viewing decks, cafes and cultural spaces while protecting and enhancing the river's ecological character.
"The riverfront will be lined with native trees and pollution-absorbing vegetation. Permeable paving and bioswales have also been planned to improve stormwater management, increase groundwater recharge and support the long-term health of the river ecosystem," said an Adani Navbharat Developers Private Limited (ANDPL) official.
ANDPL is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established for the implementation of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), with the Government of Maharashtra and the Adani Group as shareholders.
The riverfront will connect seamlessly with the project's wider network of green spaces, including the 15-metre-wide Green Spine for pedestrians and cyclists, a large Central Park and several neighbourhood parks spread across Dharavi.
"These green spaces have been planned as one connected network. Together with the rejuvenated Mithi River, they will improve air circulation, reduce the urban heat island effect and create cleaner, healthier and more accessible public spaces for residents," the official added.
Environmental consultancy Terracon has been appointed to carry out the plantation and maintain the trees for five years. The agency will oversee scientific planting, irrigation, protection, and maintenance to improve survival rates.
It will also submit mandatory survival reports every six months under the afforestation programme. The entire cost of plantation and maintenance will be borne by ANDPL.
"We have already planted 30,000 trees at Chahade village in Palghar as sufficient land was not available within BMC limits," the official said. The project aims to plant nearly 75,000 trees during this monsoon.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The riverfront with cafes and cultural spaces sounds lovely, but my concern is whether the original Dharavi residents will actually benefit or if this is just another beautification project for outsiders. The redevelopment must prioritize the people who've lived there for generations. Still, planting 2 lakh trees across MMR is commendable.
Adani doing environmental work? Interesting timing - they should've done this BEFORE getting the contract, not as a sweetener after. But I'll give credit where it's due, the plan is detailed and seems genuine. The Green Spine for pedestrians is a great idea. Let's see if the 5-year maintenance commitment actually happens.
As someone who grew up near the Mithi, this is emotional! That river has been a dumping ground for so long, it smells terrible during summers. If they really rejuvenate it and create a 3.3 km promenade, it'll transform the entire area. But they need to involve local communities in the planning - that's the only way this'll be sustainable.
Planting trees outside Mumbai (Palghar) while claiming to "rejuvenate Dharavi" feels like greenwashing to me. The 40,000 trees within Dharavi is good, but does anyone actually believe there's space for 40,000 trees in one of the world's most crowded slums? I want to see the real estate math here. 🤔
Love the eco-friendly focus - bioswales, permeable paving, native trees! This is modern urban planning done right. The promenade with viewing decks and cultural spaces will be perfect for
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