Mumbai To Get ‘Green Necklace’: BMC Prepares 77 Hectares Coastal Land, Reliance Foundation To Build ₹400 Cr Coastal Gardens

In a major boost to urban green spaces, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing 77 hectares of reclaimed land along the Mumbai Coastal Road for a large-scale landscaping project that will be developed by Reliance Foundation.

The civic body will spend over ₹100 crore to level and prepare the land, after which Reliance Foundation will undertake landscaping and beautification work estimated at ₹400 crore under CSR initiatives.

‘Coastal Gardens’ To Become Mumbai’s Green Lung

Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani announced that the project, titled “Coastal Gardens”, aims to create a massive green lung for Mumbai, offering much-needed open space in the densely populated city.

The vision is to develop a “Green Necklace” along South Mumbai’s coastline, complementing the iconic Marine Drive, often referred to as the Queen’s Necklace.

Land Preparation Work Underway

According to officials, while Reliance Foundation will handle the landscaping, the BMC is responsible for preparing the reclaimed land for plantation.

This includes raising the land level by approximately 900 mm using soil filling, ensuring it is suitable for planting trees and shrubs.

Work has already begun in some stretches, with authorities aiming to handover portions of the land before the monsoon, allowing vegetation to take root during the rainy season.

Project Timeline And Vision

The project timeline was shared by BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who indicated that the Coastal Gardens could be ready within three seasons.

The concept plan was unveiled during a citizen dialogue organised by the South Mumbai Residents Association, generating excitement among residents for a large, accessible green space along the coastline.

Detailed Land Use Plan

The proposed design outlines a balanced mix of greenery and public spaces:

• 55% – Forests and wooded areas
• 25% – Open recreational spaces
• 10% – Pathways
• 10% – Plazas

The gardens will include features such as:

• Miyawaki micro-forests
• Urban woodland pockets
• Landscaped park areas
• Walking and recreational pathways
• A Transformational Urban Project

Once completed, the Coastal Gardens are expected to significantly enhance Mumbai’s green cover, improve air quality, and provide citizens with a large, accessible recreational space.

With collaboration between the BMC and Reliance Foundation, the project marks a major step toward sustainable urban development, blending infrastructure expansion with environmental conservation.