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The Mumbai state government has proposed a change that has sparked controversy and opposition from environmental activists. The government wants to delete the reservation of a 1,375 square meter plot adjacent to Byculla Zoo and convert it into a residential zone. The plot was previously reserved for a garden and zoo in the development plan of 2034, but the government claims that it was not being acquired by the BMC for the expansion of the zoo and that no garden or zoo existed there. The proposal was approved by the BMC in December 2022 and public suggestions and objections are now being invited by the development plan department.
Activists, however, are not happy with the proposal and are calling for the preservation of green spaces instead of destroying them. Zoru Bhathena, an activist, said, "As Mumbai develops, we need more open space and not less. It is terrible to see how the government is de-reserving every inch of open green space. Can the authorities not see what is happening to Mumbai's air quality? The authorities need to take every step to protect and preserve our green spaces, not destroy every square inch." The poor air quality in Mumbai has been a cause for concern for years and the preservation of green spaces is seen as crucial to improve the situation.
The change would involve following due process under section 37(1) of the Maharashtra Region and Town Planning Act, 1966. Hutokshi Rustomfram, trustee of the Save Rani Bagh Botanical Garden Foundation, said they would examine the proposal before submitting any objections. The foundation is dedicated to preserving green spaces in Mumbai and will take the proposal seriously.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the proposed change, the BMC has also approved a proposal to change the name of the gardens and zoo in the 160th anniversary of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo to include "vanaspati" or "botanical". This proposal is seen as a positive step, as it emphasizes the importance of botanical gardens and their role in preserving plant species and improving air quality.
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