BMC to Remove 9 Inches of Soil from Shivaji Park to Combat Dust Pollution
In response to growing concerns over dust pollution, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed the removal of a 9-inch layer of red soil from the iconic Shivaji Park in Dadar. This move comes after local residents and environmental experts raised alarms about the increasing dust pollution in the area, which has worsened air quality. The decision to remove the soil was spurred by complaints from locals and a notice from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). A joint meeting was held with experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), local activists, and civic officials to discuss the matter. Following this meeting, a proposal was sent to the Municipal Commissioner for final approval.
According to a senior BMC officer, “This proposal is aimed at mitigating dust pollution, which has been a long-standing issue.” Shivaji Park, a 28-acre public ground, is a prominent venue for both local recreational activities and major political rallies. The park, which is frequented by fitness enthusiasts, walkers, and sports lovers, is also a historic site, having produced legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar. However, the park’s ground has been a cause of concern for several years due to the thick layer of red soil dumped by the BMC in an earlier attempt at beautification and ground levelling. The soil, which was placed on the park several years ago, has since become a source of dust pollution, particularly in an area that experiences heavy foot traffic. According to BMC sources, the failed beautification project, which added the thick layer of soil, has resulted in persistent dust storms, especially during the dry season.
A senior official noted, “The ground has a high footfall, and this red soil layer was an ill-conceived attempt to beautify the park. Over time, it has contributed significantly to dust pollution, which has been exacerbated by the city’s worsening air quality.” To address these concerns, the BMC is planning to carry out the work in one go, rather than in phases. “Instead of disrupting the park repeatedly, we plan to shut Shivaji Park for eight to ten days and complete the soil removal work during that period,” said the BMC officer. Once the Municipal Commissioner approves the proposal, a tender will be floated for the removal of the soil. In the interim, the BMC has already initiated dust mitigation measures, such as deploying water sprinklers and mist machines, to reduce the amount of dust in the air and improve the park’s air quality.
The notice from the Pollution Control Board was issued about four to five months ago, but the assessment and subsequent action had been delayed due to several public events, rallies, and functions held at the park. However, the urgency of the issue has prompted the BMC to expedite the process. Shivaji Park, named after the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is not only an important cultural and recreational space but also a historical landmark that holds national significance. Given its role in political discourse and the legacy of sporting excellence, it remains a central part of Mumbai’s civic landscape. With this new initiative, the BMC aims to restore the park’s environmental health, ensuring it remains a clean and safe space for all.
