BMC to create an urban forest in Mumbai’s Marol

MUMBAI: A three-acre plot in Mumbai’s Marol will be converted to an urban forest, according to plans by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Marol is an industrial zone which has the lowest tree cover in Mumbai, as per Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP).

An urban forest is a collection of trees and shrubs growing along city streets and utility corridors. The three-acre area also runs alongside the Mithi river, which the BMC hopes to develop as a buffer and  water retention zone. The estimate cost of the project is Rs 6 crore. According to the reports, the surface temperature of the land along the metro stretch has increased from 32.65 degrees celcius to 38.83 degrees celcius after the construction of the metro line. The civic body has stated that this move is likely to lower land surface temperature and also provide open public space. The BMC in this year’s budget had promised to implement “tactical urbanism” in the city.