Bamboo Plantation Project in Mumbai Faces Delay Along Bhandup Eastern Express Highway
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ambitious plan to plant bamboo trees along both sides of the Eastern Express Highway from Bhandup to Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli has hit a roadblock. The project has been put on hold due to a lack of affirmative response from the salt commissioner.
According to BMC officials, they had already selected a contractor with an estimated cost of Rs 1.11 crore to plant 8,100 bamboo trees. However, with the current setback, they are now considering planting bamboo trees alongside other existing trees in various locations such as roads, gardens, and open spaces.
The BMC had initially embraced the idea of bamboo plantations as part of the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Urban Greening Project. In fact, the corporation had earmarked a budget for the 2024–25 fiscal year to plant approximately 5 lakh bamboo trees. However, the practicality of this plan has come into question.
An official from the BMC stated, “There should be at least a two-meter distance between plants, requiring a minimum of 5 lakh square meters of land in the city, which is currently unattainable.” Despite the challenges, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had proposed the concept of planting bamboo trees on 10,000 hectares of land across the state earlier this year during the Environmental Sustainability Summit in Mumbai.
The potential plantations along the Eastern Express Highway were expected to enhance the visual appeal of the area. The BMC had identified vacant stretches of land along both sides of the highway for the project. The sites were deemed suitable for plantation with minimal land acquisition required – only one to two meters of land along the footpaths on the service roads. However, the lack of cooperation from the salt commissioner has hindered progress.
The ideal time to plant bamboo trees is before the monsoon season due to their increased water requirements. Bamboo is known to emit 35% more oxygen compared to other trees, making it an excellent solution to reduce carbon footprint. Additionally, bamboo is a low-maintenance plant that grows rapidly, offering numerous environmental benefits.
Despite the current delay, BMC officials remain optimistic about the potential for bamboo plantations in Mumbai. The project aligns with the city’s goal of promoting green spaces and sustainable practices. While challenges persist, the BMC is exploring alternative strategies to incorporate bamboo trees into urban greening initiatives effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bamboo Plantation Project along the Bhandup Eastern Express Highway in Mumbai may have faced delays, but the vision of incorporating bamboo trees into the city’s landscape remains a priority for BMC. As environmental consciousness continues to grow, initiatives like these play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of urban life and promoting sustainability. With innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, the dream of a greener, more vibrant Mumbai can become a reality.
