Mumbai's Shivaji Park to Undergo Grass Plantation to Combat Dust Pollution

Residents and experts express concerns over the feasibility of the plan and the proposed sewage treatment plant for irrigation.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to grow grass at Shivaji Park to address dust pollution caused by loose red soil.
The project involves identifying grass species suitable for the environment, with IIT-Bombay assisting in soil preparation and fertilization research.
A mini sewage treatment plant (STP) is proposed to provide treated water for irrigation, but residents oppose the plan due to environmental and cultural concerns.
Previous grass plantation efforts at Shivaji Park failed due to high foot traffic from political rallies and public events, raising doubts about the plan's viability.
The MPCB has set a timeline for the project, with grass planting to begin by June, aiming to leverage monsoon conditions for natural growth.