The Maharashtra government’s proposal to convert the Mahalaxmi Racecourse into a large “Central Park” has sparked strong objections from prominent architects and urban planners in Mumbai.
A group of 102 members from the Mumbai Architects Collective has written to the state government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), seeking greater transparency about the project. While they support the idea of expanding public green spaces, they have expressed serious concerns about extensive underground construction planned beneath the park.
The government’s proposal envisions a 295-acre park by combining around 125 acres of racecourse land with nearly 170 acres of reclaimed land along the Coastal Road. Officials have described it as potentially the largest urban park in India, aimed at significantly increasing accessible open space in the city.
However, the plan also includes large underground facilities such as a sports complex, parking areas, and a tunnel linking the park to the Coastal Road and a nearby metro station. Critics argue that such deep excavation could damage the natural ground conditions of the racecourse, which currently plays a key role in rainwater absorption, groundwater recharge, and flood mitigation.
The architects have also questioned the financial structure and land-use arrangements related to the project, including aspects involving the Royal Western India Turf Club. They have called for full public disclosure of development rights, funding details, and long-term planning implications.
Emphasising Mumbai’s limited per capita open space, the group stated that preserving natural, permeable land should be treated as essential urban infrastructure rather than an opportunity for heavy construction.
Also Read: Mumbai to Install Plastic Barriers to Stop Waste from Flowing into Arabian Sea
Share
Tweet
