In a bold move that reflects the growing demand for sustainable and climate-resilient urban development, a citizen-led initiative has proposed the creation of a green urban forest along the upcoming Mumbai Coastal Road project.
The proposal, drafted by the Mumbai Coastal Forest (MCF) group, aims to transform over 70 hectares of reclaimed coastal land into a climate-smart and people-centric green zone. With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) already awarding the landscaping contract for the area to Reliance under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) wing, the citizen collective sees an opportunity to infuse long-term environmental foresight into what could otherwise become another ornamental cityscape. The MCF’s 40-page presentation, grounded in the principles of the Mumbai Climate Action Plan, has gathered traction online with more than 39,000 signatures on a public petition addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BMC Chief Bhushan Gagrani.
The proposal outlines a multi-layered, zone-wise plantation strategy featuring native flora tailored to ecological compatibility and resilience. Along the seaward belt, species such as kewda, sultan champa, and powderpuff mangrove are proposed. The central green zones would house trees like lal chitrak, neem, and sacred fig, while the zones closer to residential areas would be shaded by jamul, bakul, and the visually vibrant amaltas. “We’re not just planting trees, we’re redefining how this city breathes,” said a spokesperson from the MCF team. “With temperatures rising and pollution levels worsening, this is a once-in-a-generation chance to build an ecological shield for Mumbai.”
The group intends to hold joint meetings with BMC and Reliance to push for formal integration of their proposal into the ongoing project framework. While the Coastal Road department at the BMC has yet to officially receive the proposal, officials confirmed that the idea has been discussed informally. “There’s increasing public interest in turning reclaimed or encroached land into usable green assets,” a BMC official remarked. “We will certainly review the proposal when it comes through. Feasibility is key, but so is the opportunity to set new benchmarks in urban planning.”
The MCF initiative aligns closely with the city’s broader climate action narrative and is being seen as a citizen-powered nudge to the administration to prioritise ecological gains alongside infrastructural ambition. It also reflects a shift in public consciousness, where urban development is no longer perceived as antithetical to green planning but rather as an integrated objective. Environmental planners and sustainability advocates view this as an essential pilot for similar green transformations across Indian metros facing heat stress, air quality challenges and unregulated land development. As BMC proceeds with its plans, eyes will be on how inclusively this proposal is assessed and whether the city can set a new precedent for people-first, planet-conscious infrastructure.
At its core, the MCF proposal embodies more than just greenery—it is about reclaiming public space with purpose, stitching together ecology with equity, and ensuring that Mumbai’s next big project is built not just for movement, but for meaning.
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