Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to install CCTV cameras across select municipal parks and playgrounds in the city. The initiative, led by the Garden Department, will begin with a pilot phase to identify key problem areas before expanding citywide.
Mumbai’s urban parks and open spaces have long served as vital lungs for the city, providing rare pockets of greenery and recreation amid high-density development. However, poor lighting, vandalism, and inadequate surveillance have raised safety concerns, particularly in the evenings when footfall peaks. According to civic officials, Mumbai has more than 300 recreation grounds and around 400 playgrounds, yet many suffer from neglect and frequent damage to property. Incidents of theft, graffiti, and the misuse of facilities have been reported repeatedly. “While security personnel and caretakers are present in many gardens, they are often unable to deter or trace those responsible for vandalism,” said an official from the Garden Department.
The initiative gained traction following a recommendation from the Mumbai Police, which urged the civic body to install CCTV cameras and improve lighting in parks to enhance safety. Acting on this, the BMC has begun assessing the technical and financial feasibility of the plan, with the pilot expected to start in a few locations in the coming months. Officials said the move aligns with broader urban safety goals and smart city principles that promote technology-enabled monitoring of public spaces. “The CCTV network will not only help prevent damage but also make parks safer for women, children, and senior citizens who use these spaces regularly,” an official added.
Urban planners have welcomed the proposal as a necessary step to ensure equitable and inclusive access to safe green spaces. Experts note that while surveillance enhances accountability, it must be paired with community-driven maintenance and better lighting to achieve long-term improvements. The project is also expected to reduce municipal expenditure on repeated repairs, freeing up funds for the creation and maintenance of new public gardens. If successful, the BMC plans to expand CCTV surveillance to other civic facilities such as waterfront promenades and sports complexes, forming part of a broader urban resilience strategy.
By integrating technology into public space management, Mumbai aims to make its parks not only greener but safer and more inclusive — reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable urban living.
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