Prabhadevi’s Sane Guruji Udyan reopens after nearly eight years, but Mumbai residents express disappointment over the significantly reduced open space, loss of trees, and absence of a proper playground for children
Sane Guruji Udyan in Prabhadevi, a space that had remained inaccessible for almost a decade. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
AFTER nearly eight years behind barricades, Sane Guruji Udyan in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, has finally reopened for public use, bringing a sense of relief among residents. The garden had been shut and occupied by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the construction of the Siddhivinayak Metro Station, a key stop on the Aqua Line of the Mumbai Metro network.
For residents living around Prabhadevi and Dadar West, the reopening marks the return of one of the few accessible green lungs in an otherwise congested urban pocket. Morning walkers, senior citizens, and families with young children appeared happy to reclaim a space that had remained inaccessible for almost a decade.
“We live near the Parel depot. There is not a single park near our home. This was the nearest one. For so many years, when the park was closed, we had to take our kids all the way to Shivaji Park, which is far and also quite polluted, due to dust from the ground and ongoing construction activities. We are happy that we can bring our children to play here at least on the weekends, though the garden is now smaller in size,” said Mahesh Pednekar.
Some disappointment
However, the joy is tempered with disappointment. Locals point out that a substantial portion of the garden has been permanently taken over by the entry and exit gates of the Metro station, significantly reducing the usable green space.
“We waited for so many years to get the garden back, but what we have received is much smaller than what existed earlier,” said Meenakshi Jagtap, a resident who has lived in the area for over three decades.
Residents have also expressed concern over the loss of trees during the construction period. According to them, the reduced tree cover has led to noticeably higher dust levels within the garden premises, especially during peak hours.
“Earlier, dense trees acted as a natural barrier against dust and pollution. Now, the air feels heavier, and the garden does not offer the same comfort it once did,” said Sakshi More, another resident.
Adding to the concerns is the playground adjacent to the garden, which remains uneven and unlevelled. Parents complain that the condition of the ground makes it unsafe for children to play, defeating the purpose of having a designated public play area. “The garden may have reopened, but children still don’t have a proper space to run and play,” said Jagtap.
Activist speak
Urban planners and environmental activists have once again raised a larger question — whether infrastructure development should come at the cost of open and green spaces, particularly at a time when Mumbai’s pollution levels are steadily rising.
Activists argue that while Metro projects are essential for sustainable transport, they should not permanently eat into scarce open spaces in densely populated neighbourhoods.
Activist Zoru Bhathena said, “About 130 trees were removed from the Siddhivinayak Metro station site. And large chunks of this green open space have been eaten into to build the Metro. Green spaces are extremely rare in Mumbai and should never have been touched. Eating into green spaces for a Metro is only the easy way out. Anyone can visit the Kalbadevi Metro station and see how nicely it is built, without encroaching on any green open space.”
Crowd accommodation
Siddhivinayak temple committee has erected poles inside the garden and the adjacent ground to accommodate the huge crowd that is expected to line up on January 1 and 6 to take darshan on the New Year and the first Angarika of the New Year, respectively. “The garden won’t be shut for visitors, and we have just utilised a small area. Using the ground and garden will help avoid the rush spilling onto the road and creating traffic issues,” said Pawan Tripathi, a committee member of Siddhivinayak temple.
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