Mumbai could easily turn dumps into forests

Representation pic

Going from eyesore to eye-catching. a patch of land in Deolali Cantonment Board has undergone a transformation. Random plastic bags, dirty discarded clothes, abandoned footwear, broken glass and household waste lay strewn across the site, read our report.

As the rain pelted this patch, it became even more fetid, as rainwater mixed with this garbage waste created stagnant cesspools. In a stunning makeover, the once-neglected site is on the way to being transformed to an urban forest, with around 42,000 saplings representing more than 40 indigenous species. The project is undertaken by the Social Forestry Department, Nashik.

Officers behind the project spoke about their long journey beginning with will and vision. From the NOC to clearing the site and then, getting it ready for a plantation, it took effort, determination and unity.

Our city has so many little corners of space, in urgent need of cleaning and these can be transformed into similar beautiful patches. While Mumbai may not have the same amount of space, it does have several open areas, compact though they may be which can be made aesthetic.

The civic authorities need to work with locals as you do need those in power for permissions and to clear any legal obstacles. Then, working as a team, the initiative can come together, so that we have head turning green patches that are a break from a grey cement 'n' concrete landscape. Let us collectively strive to up the beauty quotient of this city, as spaces that have become garbage cans, literally can be cleaned up and changed so that from rubbish dumps they become head turners.