With Children's Day coming up tomorrow, there's no better time for a grown up discussion about the city's urgent need for space, particularly to give our children all the room they need to grow and play. Children's Day events took off last week, with special activities for kids and the announcement of new facilities at hospitals. These initiatives are good, but what Mumbai's children need most is open space.

Two recent events come to mind. First is the battle for Nepean Sea Road's Priyadarshini Park. While the fire engine has moved out of the garden, there are real fears that eventually a portion of the space will be taken over for a fire station. In yet another case of green spaces under attack, there have been reports about the destruction of mangroves by slum dwellers. In light of these threats, it becomes imperative that we gift children the joy of space.