Irate residents demand clear answers to questions on long-term turf maintenance plan such as restoration after rallies, what’s happening on R4 crore rainwater harvesting system that saw 35 wells built in 2021, and its disastrous dust-mitigating measures
Grass-laying work at Shivaji Park as part of BMC’s dust mitigation plan during monsoon. File Pic/Atul Kamble
Shivaji Park residents have demanded a clear long-term turf maintenance plan from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), raising concerns about water sourcing, upkeep costs, funding sources, restoration after political rallies, and the status of the R4 crore rainwater harvesting system, which included 35 wells around the park. They’ve also questioned why BMC has refused to remove the red soil, despite a clear directive from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in January 2025.
Workers install grass sheets on a trial basis at Shivaji Park. File Pics/Atul Kamble
BMC began laying grass on the ground on two test plots on June 18, covering approximately 200 sq m, as an experimental measure to curb dust pollution, in line with MPCB directives. The results will be studied, and a feasibility report will be submitted to MPCB within a month. Based on the findings, the civic body will decide whether to extend grass turfing across the entire ground. The Bombay High Court has permitted the use of the Shivaji Park precinct for activities other than sports for up to 45 days annually.
Background
Residents first raised the dust issue in 2015, when the park was largely covered in sandy soil and rough grass. Red soil, initially laid on a 50x750 metre strip for Maharashtra Day police parades since the 1960s, became more widespread in 2021 when BMC dumped over 100 truckloads across the park to enhance its “heritage” look. This exacerbated dust issues, especially in dry weather. To mitigate the dust, BMC spent R4 crore in 2021 constructing 35 rainwater harvesting wells around the park. However, the water from these wells has never been used.
Grass sheets installed at the park
In 2025, following a recommendation from IIT-Bombay, BMC started experimenting with planting Bermuda grass — a drought-resistant, fast-growing species widely used on sports fields and suited to Mumbai’s hot climate. An internal BMC report notes that while the grass thrives between 24–37°C, it becomes dormant in winter and dry spells.
Residents raise concerns
Residents have insisted that the current measures should not become another short-term fix at the cost of taxpayers’ money. They claim the dust issue has persisted for nearly a decade, and despite multiple meetings and correspondence with the BMC and state environment department, previous “solutions” — like the Rs 4 crore rainwater harvesting system — have failed.
Geologist and architect Nandan Mungekar, who helped design the harvesting system, said, “Water does not seep through red soil. I had informed BMC of this in writing, but they ignored it and dumped more red soil. The following monsoon, all adjoining roads were waterlogged. The water is already present in the wells constructed as part of the rainwater harvesting system, so why isn’t it being used? The BMC now claims that Rs 4 crore has gone down the drain — money spent to create a system that’s now defunct. Has anyone investigated why this happened? According to our assessment, it’s because of the red soil, which is non-porous and prevents water from seeping into the ground.”
Dr Suhas Patwardhan, resident, Shivaji Park “The MPCB ordered BMC to remove red soil in April 2025, but it seems the civic body would rather avoid admitting a mistake. Removing red soil is the simplest, most effective way to reduce dust. In the dealings between the MPCB and the BMC, nearly a year has been lost, during which residents have suffered from severe dust pollution. Why haven’t residents been invited to any of the meetings between MPCB officials and the BMC? We want to ask — will the grass survive when the High Court has permitted 45 days of mass rallies at Shivaji Park every year?”
Another resident, runner Pankaj Damniwala “We want a long-term plan. The last 10 years have seen failed experiments. This grass trial must not become another temporary fix just to impress the MPCB. We need clarity on the long-term action plan to address the dust pollution at Shivaji Park.”
Timeline of events
March 2015: Residents meet Urban Development Dept. over dust complaints
Oct 2021: BMC initiates Rs 4 crore rainwater harvesting project
Jan 2022: Over 100 trucks of red soil dumped across Shivaji Park
Feb 2023: Medical reports show spike in respiratory and skin diseases
March 2024: MPCB directs BMC to remove red soil in 15 days, consult IIT-B, and install foggers
March 2025: BMC tells MPCB it cannot remove red soil, proposes grass turf as an alternative
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