In a bid to reclaim neglected city spaces, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned a pilot project to convert the area beneath a flyover near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 1 into a sprawling “community urban farm”, officials said. The initiative, expected to be a first for the Western Express Highway corridor in the metropolis, aims to transform a 24,000-sq-ft stretch into a lush agricultural zone where locals can grow vegetables, fruits and other plants, they said.
To ensure the project, which is likely to be launched next month, remains eco-friendly, there are plans to use compost generated from local wet waste. The area will be fenced to prevent unauthorised parking and misuse by anti-social elements, which have plagued under-flyover spaces.
The T1 flyover project follows the success of similar ‘garden-under-flyover’ initiatives in Matunga and the ‘One Green Mile’ at Parel, but it is said to be the first to introduce active food cultivation as a core component.
What does the project entail?
Under the proposed plan, the BMC will create dedicated cultivation pits of about 6 ft x 3 ft, which will be offered to locals on an adoption basis. Participating families will be responsible for maintaining and harvesting their respective plots, fostering a “farm-to-table” culture
What facilities are being planned?
There will be a demonstration area to teach people how to create balcony and terrace gardens. A small section will be earmarked for selling surplus organic produce. A “plant crèche” will also be created, where people can leave home plants for maintenance while travelling
Who is bringing this project to life?
The BMC’s role is to provide land, water, and electricity, and the rest of the work has been taken up by local organisations
What has been done so far?
Twenty-four pits have been constructed and will be extended as per demand and people’s participation. Work on fencing and soil preparation is expected to begin next month. If successful, the BMC plans to replicate this “edible landscape” model across other flyovers in the suburbs
Voices
Satish Kolvankar, Swachh Parle Abhiyan
Urban farming under a flyover presents challenges like limited sunlight and high pollution. However, by using vertical gardening techniques alongside the pits, we can significantly improve the local micro-climate
A senior civic official
The idea is to move beyond the traditional concept of just beautification or jogging tracks. We are creating a functional green ecosystem in the heart of the city’s concrete sprawl
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