Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Nationalism Masks Mumbai’s Open-Space Shortfall, Columnist Argues
A city official said Mumbai has more green space per person than New York or London.
A researcher argued that much of Mumbai’s counted green space cannot be easily used by people.
Mumbai has far less recreational open space per person than London or New York.
The columnist says this makes the comparison misleading.
Another politician, Ravi Kishan, said Gorakhpur was better than Spain.
The article says these statements can attract attention even when they are not supported by careful comparisons.
It argues that national pride is sometimes used to avoid discussing real problems.
The columnist says cities should improve parks, air quality and living conditions instead of pretending everything is already better.
Mumbai civic commissioner Ashwini Bhide said the city has better per-capita green-space availability than New York or London.
Urban researcher Hussain Indorewala said much of Mumbai’s classified green space is inaccessible natural land, including forests, mangroves and water bodies.
Mumbai has about 1.58 square metres of recreational open space per person, compared with 31.68 in London and 26.2 in New York.
MP Ravi Kishan claimed Gorakhpur was better than Spain, prompting laughter from Chief Minister Adityanath.
Columnist Bikram Vohra argues that nationalism is used to deflect criticism of problems such as garbage, potholes and inadequate public spaces.
- Who
- Mumbai civic commissioner Ashwini Bhide, urban researcher Hussain Indorewala, MP Ravi Kishan, Chief Minister Adityanath and columnist Bikram Vohra.
- What
- Officials made favorable comparisons involving Mumbai and Gorakhpur, while the columnist criticized the comparisons as nationalist rhetoric that obscures urban shortcomings.
- When
- Bhide’s comments were reported in connection with an Indian Express Idea Exchange; Ravi Kishan’s remarks were made the previous month, according to the article.
- Where
- Mumbai and Gorakhpur in India, compared with New York, London and Spain.
- Why
- The columnist argues that such comparisons generate publicity, reinforce national pride and shift debate away from problems including inadequate open space, garbage and potholes.
Official Comparisons
Columnist’s Critique
Mumbai’s green space
Official Comparisons
Ashwini Bhide said Mumbai was better than New York or London in per-capita green-space availability, given the city’s limited land area.
Columnist’s Critique
Hussain Indorewala and Bikram Vohra argue that the comparison includes natural areas that may be inaccessible or unsuitable for recreation, while Mumbai’s usable open space is far lower.
Gorakhpur and Spain
Official Comparisons
Ravi Kishan said Gorakhpur was an amazing, smart city and better than Spain, presenting the claim as an expression of local and national pride.
Columnist’s Critique
Vohra presents the claim as an exaggerated comparison that becomes self-mocking when even Chief Minister Adityanath laughed at it.
National pride and criticism
Official Comparisons
The officials’ statements emphasize development and national achievement.
Columnist’s Critique
Vohra argues that such rhetoric can make criticism of garbage, potholes and poor public spaces appear anti-national, distracting from the need for practical improvements.
- Mumbai classified green space
- 31.5% of the city’s area, according to the article.
- Inaccessible natural areas
- About 27.8% of Mumbai’s area classified as green space is described as mostly inaccessible natural areas.
- Mumbai open space
- About 1.58 square metres per person; open spaces make up roughly 3.7% of the city’s area.
- London comparison
- London has 31.68 square metres of open space per person, with open spaces covering around 33% of its area.
- New York comparison
- New York has 26.2 square metres of open space per person, with open spaces covering about 27% of its area.
- Gorakhpur comparison
- Ravi Kishan said Gorakhpur was better than Spain during a gathering in Uttar Pradesh.