14 February,2026 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
Ongoing Bandra-Versova Sea Link construction work in the area near the park boundary. Pic/Nimesh Dave
Work for the Bandra-Versova Sea Link's Versova exit has begun inside Nana-Nani Park, with excavation for 5 to 6 pillars underway for two days. The project earlier proposed removing the entire park, but after protests in August 2025, the design was revised to build an elevated road above it with pillars inside the park. As per the revised plan, 184 trees will be cut and another 164 will be transplanted. Residents say they now hope the 20-year-old green space survives construction.
Excavation underway for pillars inside the park. Pic/Madhulika Ram Kavattur
>> Pillar digging started this week
>> Elevated road now planned above the park
>> Park earlier faced a full removal proposal
Excavation underway for sea link exit pillars inside Nana-Nani Park in Versova, as groundwork begins under the revised elevated road plan
>> 20+ year old public park
>> Around 90 to 130 daily visitors
>> Weekly karaoke sessions for seniors, open gym
The open gym area inside the park. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur
Permission granted under Tree Protection Act
>> 184 trees to be cut
>> 164 trees to be transplanted
>> All trees already marked
Senior citizens gather for their weekly karaoke session at Nana-Nani Park. Pic/Madhulika Ram Kavattur
MSRDC, BMC were contacted about tree cutting timelines and safeguards, but had not responded till press time.
Residents Anil, Rahul, and Vivek during their routine walk at Nana-Nani Park, which locals fear may be affected by the sea link project. Pic/Madhulika Ram Kavattur
Anil Nair, long-time resident
"When I was growing up, this park didn't exist. Over the past 20 years, it has become a peaceful space where I walk with friends. Though we are sceptical of what will happen once the park is closed and the work actually begins."
Vivek Gopala Krishnan, resident
"Before the park came up, there were plans for buildings here. Many of us protested in the 1990s to demand a park, with support from locals and public figures. Now we are unsure what the sea link construction will mean for it."
Gulzar Singh Rajkumar, senior visitor
"I have been coming here since the park opened and will continue as long as I can. Tree loss is unfortunate, but it is just a cost of development, which I and many others in my age group have come to accept. I only hope birds and animals find space elsewhere."
Dhruv Sehgal, resident
"I've been following this issue for months. Even trimming tall trees could harm them because the flyover might limit the sunlight. Green cover in Versova is already limited."
