Dharavi redevelopment project to feature 3.3-km Mithi River promenade: ANDPL

A statement said that the project has been designed to protect and strengthen the river`s ecological health. Pic/ANDPL ( artistic representation)

The Dharavi redevelopment project (DRP) will include the restoration of the Mithi River, the creation of a 3.3-kilometre public riverfront promenade and the planting of around 40,000 trees as part of a major environmental transformation, project officials announced on Monday, Adani Navbharat Developers Private Limited (ANDPL) said on Monday.

The initiative aims to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, increase biodiversity and provide more accessible green public spaces in one of Mumbai's most densely populated neighbourhoods, it said.

A key feature of the redevelopment is a 3.3-km promenade stretching from the Matunga culvert to the mouth of the Mithi River.

The riverfront will be open to the public and will include viewing decks, cafes, cultural activity spaces, landscaped green areas and pedestrian-friendly walkways.

The statement further said that the project has been designed to protect and strengthen the river's ecological health while creating an attractive public space.

Integrated green network across Dharavi

Sharing further details of the upcoming project, the statement said that the riverfront will be connected to a wider green network that includes:

- A 15-metre-wide Green Spine for pedestrians and cyclists

- A large Central Park

- Several neighbourhood parks

- Tree-lined streets and open spaces

According to project officials, the integrated green-blue network is expected to improve air circulation, reduce the urban heat island effect and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

40,000 trees planned

Around 40,000 trees will be planted and conserved in phases across Dharavi and the Navbharat rehabilitation township.

The statement said that this is nearly five times the number of trees proposed for removal during redevelopment.

The statement further said that in addition, around two lakh compensatory trees are planned across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Of these, 30,000 trees have already been planted at Chahade village in Palghar district in Maharashtra.

The target is to plant around 75,000 trees during the current monsoon season.

Environmental consultancy Terracon has been appointed to oversee plantation, irrigation, protection and maintenance of the trees.

The company will also submit mandatory survival reports every six months as part of the afforestation programme, the statement said.