CITIES

Mumbai: Malad to get 2 towers at Mindspace Garden

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposal to erect two towers at the Swatantraveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Udyan (aka Mindspace Garden) in Malad for viewing flamingos and other rare birds.

Mindspace Garden is located between Malad Khadi and Khadi Road. It is a popular entertainment center in the suburbs.

According to the proposal of BMC, many species of plants and birds are found in the Malad garden. Many environmentalists and bird watchers have noted rare species in the area, especially flamingos near the bay on the southwest coast, which is very close to the garden. The total project area will be 800 sq.ft.

MCZMA will recommend the proposal to the Planning Authority under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2019.

Guidelines for construction

The MCZMA has imposed certain conditions while giving its nod to the project. The proposed construction should be carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (as amended from time to time). Besides, the civic body will ensure that the existing facilities of solid waste management, sewage treatment and sanitation are enhanced. It is also important to take care that the LED lights do not disturb the birds. The municipality will also install solar panels on top of the towers.

MCZMA said in a meeting held on December 7 last year that the construction of watch towers should be supported as it will increase bird watching and create environmental awareness among local citizens.

Deputy Director of BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) Dr. Rahul Khot told the Free Press Journal, “Many mudflats in and around Mumbai are regularly visited by migratory birds and waders. They are concentrated near Thane. Creek mudflats, but also visit the western suburbs in smaller numbers. The proposed watch towers will increase public interest in rare birds and create awareness about environmental conservation.”

However, Conservation Action Trust Executive Trustee Debi Goenka said, “If municipalities are serious about flamingos, they should first focus on protecting wetlands and other habitats and also prevent pollution of water bodies.”

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