Dust Control Plan Revised at Shivaji Park
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to retract its proposal to remove a 9-inch layer of soil from Shivaji Park, following expert recommendations that caution against the measure as an ineffective permanent solution for dust control. The decision comes after detailed consultations with a team of experts from IIT Bombay, convened to advise on mitigating dust pollution in one of Mumbai’s most iconic open spaces.
The original plan, which proposed the removal of soil varying between 3 to 12 inches depending on ground level, was introduced by the BMC’s G-North ward as a remedial action to curb the flying dust issue. This measure had been spurred by a notice from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) issued last year, aimed at addressing deteriorating air quality in the Dadar-Shivaji Park region. Five years ago, a thick layer of red soil was laid over the historic park as part of a beautification initiative, a project that ultimately failed to deliver the intended benefits and instead contributed to increased dust pollution. In the latest round of discussions, the IIT Bombay experts argued that the act of removing the soil might actually exacerbate the dust problem rather than resolve it. They emphasised that while the removal could provide a temporary relief, it does not offer a sustainable solution.
Instead, the experts proposed a series of alternative measures including the creation of additional green patches, the adoption of soil-binding techniques, and the utilisation of rollers and water sprinklers or mist machines to stabilise the dust. MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam’s recent visit to the site, during which he issued a 15-day ultimatum for the BMC to address citizens’ complaints, has added urgency to the issue. With Shivaji Park spanning 7.8 acres—comprising 70 percent playground and 30 percent green areas—the challenge remains to implement measures that ensure long-term improvement in air quality without compromising the park’s aesthetic and recreational value. The BMC’s revised approach reflects a broader trend among civic bodies to prioritise sustainable, science-based solutions over short-term fixes. Moving forward, authorities are expected to consider the expert recommendations carefully before finalising any further actions on dust pollution control at Shivaji Park.
