In a remarkable transformation from barren land to a thriving sanctuary, Marol in suburban Mumbai now houses a lush 3.5-acre urban forest that is already lowering temperatures and inviting biodiversity back into the heart of the city.
Unveiled on Monday by Mumbai suburban guardian minister and state IT and cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar, the Mahatapasvi Acharya Shri Mahashramanji Garden is a testament to what collective will and ecological intent can accomplish. “This garden is a model of how collaborative efforts can transform urban spaces into climate-resilient zones,” Shelar shared during the event, urging Mumbaikars to take part in creating more such green lungs across the metropolis.
This living forest was once a dry plot, partly reserved for gardening and partly part of the Marol Cooperative Industrial Estate. Funded through the District Planning and Development Committee, the initiative was brought to life through a joint effort by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the industrial estate, with the World Resources Institute as the knowledge partner and Studio Pipeelikaput leading the design and ecological planning.
Studio Pipeelikaput’s founder Neha Chavan revealed that native plant species were selected from nearby natural ecosystems like Aarey Forest, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Byculla’s Ranibagh. “We incorporated over 100 species in the garden, including six varieties of bamboo and fruit-bearing trees like mango, jackfruit, papaya, and banana to attract birdlife,” she explained. Layers of herbs, grasses, shrubs, and native trees now breathe life into the soil that was once hardened by neglect.
With the forest now mature enough to alter its surroundings, scientific monitoring was carried out by WRI. Temperatures within the dense green zone were recorded at 32.7°C compared to 36.6°C in areas left bare. The findings confirmed a real micro-climatic shift. “Given that Marol is an industrial zone and a known urban heat island, the improvement in micro-climate owing to the green cover was significant,” said Chavan.
Even the BMC confirmed the cooling trend, citing a 2°C drop over the previous year. Dr Prachi Jambhekar, deputy municipal commissioner, shared her support at the inaugural ceremony, attended by local MLA Murji Patel and K East ward officer Nitin Shukla. “This urban forest has been created right in the centre of an industrial area and temperatures have come down now. New birds and butterflies are seen here now, and the place is worth a visit,” said Shukla.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
