Shivaji Park residents have revived their demand for the removal of red soil dumped in the name of beautification, citing worsening dust pollution. Over 70 locals have written to the BMC chief seeking a clear timeline and restoration of the park’s original sandy soil
People wearing face masks to protect themselves from red soil dust at Shivaji Park on Tuesday. Pic/Atul Kamble
Residents of Shivaji Park have revived their demand for the removal of red soil from the iconic playground, urging the BMC to act on concerns over dust pollution that they say has persisted for four years.
With a newly elected civic body in place, residents said they were hopeful of better representation of their concerns. On Monday, the Shivaji Park Advanced Locality Management (ALM) submitted a letter signed by over 70 residents to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, seeking clarity on the delay in removing the red soil and a timeline for its removal.
In their letter, residents wrote, “We the residents of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park are writing with deep concern the persistent pollution of external dumped red soil under the name of beautification in our park.” The letter followed a pollution awareness drive held at the playground on January 18, where residents collected signatures after the BMC election results were declared.
The association said red soil dumped in the name of a “heritage look” has instead caused severe environmental distress. “We have been running pillar to post for last four years for this serious concern. We have approached BMC to permanently remove the external foreign loose ‘Red Soil’ that will provide respite to all local residents,” the letter stated.
What is the issue?
Red soil was originally laid on a 50 x 750 metre strip for Maharashtra Day police parades in the 1960s. In 2021, BMC dumped more red soil to enhance its heritage appearance, residents said this worsened dust pollution.
What do residents want?
>> Complete removal of red soil from the park
>> Restoration of the original sandy soil
BMC’s take
The civic body roped in IIT Bombay to study dust pollution and began testing Bermuda grass at the park in June 2025. After resident opposition, a stakeholder consultation was held in November 2025.
Expert speak
Geologist and architect Nandan Mungekar, who helped design the park’s water harvesting system, told residents: “Historically, Shivaji Park has had sandy soil. In the past 20 years, BMC has repeatedly laid red soil on the ground and aggravated the issue of dust pollution. About 6 to 12 inches of earth at Shivaji Park comprises of red soil. If you dig deeper, you will find sandy soil.”
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