Keep Mumbai's Parks Public: Garden Adoption Policy

We are writing with reference to MCGM notification SG/OD/257 dated 1 August 2023, in which the MCGM sought input from the public for a revised Garden Adoption Policy for the maintenance and upkeep of all open spaces. We would like to express our deep concern about the Garden Adoption Policy, since it will decrease transparency and accountability.

With an annual budget of over ₹52,000 crore, the BMC says it does not have the resources to improve and maintain Mumbai's parks and playgrounds, for which it budgets only ₹350 crore. Instead of creating new parks and open spaces for a growing population, the BMC now proposes to give our public spaces up for “adoption”. We must oppose this policy to protect our open spaces.

Who is affected?

Mumbai, home to more than 21 million people, faces a threat that touches every one of us. Our public parks, playgrounds and open spaces, the lifeblood of the city, are at risk of being privatised. They are not just plots of land: they are where our children grow, our families meet and our neighbourhoods thrive.

What is at stake

Mumbai already ranks among the world's lowest in open space per person, with about 1.1 square metres (11 square feet) each. If we allow privatisation, we risk a divided city: some with access to green oases, others left in concrete. It could mean losing vital space for exercise, rest and meeting people.

Why now

The city's population keeps growing, and the need for accessible green space has never been greater. The pandemic showed how much outdoor space matters for our mental and physical well-being. Yet with over 21 million residents we have just 1.1 square metres of open space per person, against a recommended 10. Mumbai's open space index is a mere 2.5%, far behind London (33%), New York (27%), Hong Kong (40%) and Singapore (47%). About 1.5 million children in Mumbai deserve safe playgrounds. Accessible green space reduces air pollution, cools the city and supports biodiversity. A strong open space policy and budget would cost a fraction of what privatisation gives away.

A better policy

Mumbai deserves a comprehensive, well-structured policy for its gardens, playgrounds and parks, with common rules, signage, design and maintenance standards across the city. It should guarantee universal access, drinking water, toilets, lighting and security in every open space, open throughout the day for everyone. Funding should be equal, so that every park benefits. Today there is a real risk that private entities will favour areas with more spending power, deepening inequality in the quality of parks.

Raising the standard

We urge the city to meet international standards and raise the quality of our open spaces. They are not optional extras; they are the basis of our environmental, economic, physical and social well-being. With a growing population, the city must both safeguard and expand its open spaces.

The budget question

The BMC spends a large budget building and maintaining roads. Why not a similar commitment to parks, which would cost a fraction of the road budget? The BMC suggests that funds are scarce, or that private management would be more efficient. It need not be so: proper budgets can pay for skilled staff, so that public parks get the same care as privately managed ones.

A sensible alternative

Rather than handing control of public spaces to private entities, the city could adopt a policy like POPS (privately owned public spaces), in which private players are encouraged to add public space in return for certain benefits. That builds collaboration while keeping public space genuinely public.

We want a greener Mumbai

We join the collective voice of Mumbai. Together we can make sure our public parks stay open, accessible and cherished by every resident, for ourselves and for future generations. #KeepMumbaiParksPublic #MumbaiForAll #OpenSpacesForAll

How to object

Citizens can send suggestions or objections by email to dysg.ta@mcgm.gov.in, sg.gardens@mcgm.gov.in and mc@mcgm.gov.in, with a copy to hello@lypmumbai.com and bombaygreenway@gmail.com. You are welcome to use and adapt this letter.

keep parks public