Mumbai's shrinking open spaces spark concern as land reservations change

Mumbai’s open space per person stands at just 0.87 sq m, well short of the WHO’s recommended 9 sq m. The city now faces further reductions as authorities approve changes to land reservations in Oshiwara, Andheri West. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has greenlit the redesignation of two plots in Oshiwara, totalling over 1,400 sq m. One of these, a 1,140 sq m plot originally reserved for public amenities, will now be used for housing. A smaller recreational ground of 297 sq m has also been converted into a post and telegraph office reservation.

These changes are part of a slum rehabilitation scheme aimed at housing economically weaker sections. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority argued that the existing layout in Oshiwara already includes essential amenities, such as a playground and both primary and secondary municipal schools.

Under Development Plan norms, at least 5% of every housing project must still be set aside for open spaces or public amenities. The Oshiwara project will comply with this requirement. MHADA had also sought a similar change for the Neville D’Souza Football Ground in Bandra. The approvals will allow new housing projects to proceed in Oshiwara. However, the loss of reserved open space raises concerns about Mumbai’s already limited public areas. The city’s open space per capita remains far below global health standards.