Mumbai's Barren Land Transformed into a 3.5 Acre Urban Forest
A 3.5-acre urban forest in Mumbai's Marol, once a barren industrial plot, now reduces local temperatures by up to 4°C, offering a blueprint for climate-resilient urban planning.
Urban ForestClimate ResilienceSustainable DevelopmentUrban PlanningGreen SpacesReal Estate MumbaiMay 20, 2025
The project is the result of a joint effort by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Marol Cooperative Industrial Estate, and the District Planning and Development Committee, with ecological design from Studio Pipeelikaput and technical support from the World Resources Institute (WRI). Marol, located in Andheri East, has long been identified in the Mumbai Climate Action Plan as an urban heat island — a densely built-up area with significantly higher temperatures than surrounding regions. The transformation of this industrial site was aimed at reversing that trend.
Planting began in March 2024, using over 100 native species from nearby green areas like Aarey Forest and Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The forest includes fruit-bearing trees such as mango, jackfruit, papaya, and banana, along with six varieties of bamboo, medicinal herbs, and several layers of foliage. Existing banyan and peepal trees were retained and integrated into the new design.
In just one year, WRI’s thermal imaging and field assessments recorded a measurable cooling of up to 4°C in densely vegetated parts of the garden compared to adjacent built-up areas. The drop is considered significant in a neighbourhood like Marol, where concrete structures and limited green cover have long amplified heat stress. “This garden is a model of how collaborative efforts can transform urban spaces into climate-resilient zones,” said Minister Shelar at the inauguration. Beyond temperature control, the garden has already begun attracting bird species, improving air quality, and providing a much-needed recreational space for local residents. Its ecological diversity and layered plant structure are designed not only to endure but thrive in Mumbai’s monsoon-dominated climate.
The Mahashramanji Garden is being hailed as a successful demonstration of how even industrial and heat-vulnerable pockets of cities can be transformed into cooling green corridors. As urban India grapples with rising temperatures and shrinking green cover, such models serve as practical templates for sustainable development. By repurposing unused or underutilised land through scientific planning and community participation, Marol’s new forest marks a hopeful step in India’s climate adaptation journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mahatapasvi Acharya Shri Mahashramanji Garden?
The Mahatapasvi Acharya Shri Mahashramanji Garden is a 3.5-acre urban forest in Mumbai’s Marol, transformed from a barren industrial plot to reduce local temperatures and improve air quality.
Who were the key collaborators in this project?
The key collaborators in the project include the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Marol Cooperative Industrial Estate, the District Planning and Development Committee, Studio Pipeelikaput for ecological design, and the World Resources Institute (WRI) for technical support.
What are the benefits of the new urban forest?
The benefits include reducing local temperatures by up to 4°C, attracting bird species, improving air quality, and providing a recreational space for local residents.
What native species were used in the project?
Over 100 native species were used, including fruit-bearing trees like mango, jackfruit, papaya, and banana, six varieties of bamboo, medicinal herbs, and several layers of foliage.
How does this project contribute to climate resilience?
This project contributes to climate resilience by transforming heat-vulnerable areas into cooling green corridors, which helps in mitigating urban heat islands and improving overall environmental conditions.
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