Archive · 9 Aug 2026
127 Mumbai Architects Urge Government to Protect City's Open Spaces
A group of 127 architects in Mumbai wrote a letter to important city leaders asking them to protect the city's parks and open spaces.
They are worried that playgrounds, parks, and natural areas might be turned into buildings.
Some plans could change playgrounds into big halls and build parking under parks.
The architects say open spaces help soak up rainwater, stop floods, and keep the air clean.
They point out that Mumbai has very little open space per person compared to big cities like London and New York.
The letter says public land belongs to everyone and should be looked after for future generations.
The architects are not against building new homes, roads, or transport, as long as it happens in a careful way.
They want leaders to plan for the whole city instead of approving projects one by one.
They also asked the city to publish a yearly report about parks, footpaths, and other public places.
A group of 127 architects and planners under the Mumbai Architects Collective (MAC) urged the State Government and BMC to adopt a long-term vision to protect Mumbai's open spaces and natural ecosystems.
The collective warned against proposals to convert playgrounds into convention centres, build underground parking beneath parks, redevelop BEST depots with commercial components, and monetise Coastal Road open spaces.
MAC said Mumbai has only 1.58 square metres of public open space per person, compared with 31.68 square metres in London and 26.4 square metres in New York.
The architects argued that parks, playgrounds, wetlands and mangroves should be treated as essential public infrastructure that absorbs stormwater, reduces flooding, improves air quality and supports biodiversity.
The collective also demanded integrated water management, additional open spaces accompanying higher redevelopment densities, and an annual ward-wise public infrastructure report for transparency.
- Who
- The Mumbai Architects Collective (MAC), a group of 127 architects, planners and allied professionals, addressing the State Government and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- What
- Urged the government and BMC to protect Mumbai's open spaces and ecosystems with a long-term vision, warning against piecemeal development of public land.
- When
- Not specified in the article; described as a recent appeal amid ongoing development proposals.
- Where
- Mumbai, India.
- Why
- Because Mumbai has a severe shortage of public open space (1.58 sq m per person) and open spaces are vital for flood control, climate resilience, air quality and liveability.
Open Space Preservation
Development & Infrastructure
Use of public land
Open Space Preservation
Public land is a public asset; parks, playgrounds and wetlands should be protected as essential infrastructure and held in trust for future generations.
Development & Infrastructure
Public and ecological assets are increasingly treated as resources for development and infrastructure projects, such as convention centres, commercial redevelopment and parking.
Planning approach
Open Space Preservation
Development should be assessed for cumulative impact using a long-term, holistic vision that strengthens the city without diminishing public assets.
Development & Infrastructure
Individual proposals are being pursued piecemeal, with higher densities and infrastructure needs driving conversion of open spaces.
Flood and climate resilience
Open Space Preservation
Replacing permeable landscapes with buildings and paved surfaces reduces rainfall absorption and increases flood risks; open spaces are essential for climate resilience.
Development & Infrastructure
Mumbai needs better housing, transport, infrastructure and economic growth, which continue to motivate development on available land.
- Signatories
- 127 architects and planners
- Collective
- Mumbai Architects Collective (MAC)
- Addressed to
- Chief Minister, Municipal Commissioner, State Government and BMC
- Mumbai open space per person
- 1.58 square metres
- London open space per person
- 31.68 square metres
- New York open space per person
- 26.4 square metres
- Key concerns
- Playground-to-convention-centre conversions, underground parking under parks, BEST depot redevelopment, monetising Coastal Road open spaces
- Key demands
- Integrated water management, open space with higher densities, annual ward-wise public infrastructure report