The Green Heart of Chembur: Residents Plead with CM to Reclaim Vital Lung from Encroachment

There’s a quiet urgency bubbling in Mumbai’s Chembur and Deonar neighborhoods, a collective plea from residents tired of seeing a vital piece of their community’s future choked by the present. We're talking about a sprawling 1.2 lakh square meter plot of land, strategically located near the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mankhurd, that was meant to be a 'green lung' for the bustling city. Instead, it’s currently a sad testament to unchecked encroachment, swallowed up by a maze of illegal slums and structures.

This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about the very air people breathe and the quality of life they deserve. Residents, spearheaded by active groups like the Chembur Advanced Locality Management (ALM) forum, have reached a breaking point. They’re now turning directly to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, hoping his intervention can finally breathe life back into this neglected green space. Their message is clear, emphatic even: clear the land, once and for all, and transform it into the vibrant public park it was always meant to be.

You see, this isn't some arbitrary piece of land. Decades ago, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) thoughtfully acquired it with plans for a sewage treatment plant. Fast forward to the Development Plan 2034, and its purpose evolved, officially designating it as a precious 'green zone.' This designation wasn't just a bureaucratic label; it was a promise, a commitment to future generations for open spaces, cleaner air, and a healthier urban environment. But promises, as we know, can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

For years, this critical plot has been a source of growing frustration. Imagine living alongside a major research facility like BARC, only to have what should be a peaceful green buffer turn into a densely packed, unplanned settlement. Beyond the sheer loss of green space, there are tangible concerns: environmental degradation, obvious health implications for nearby residents due to poor sanitation, and even potential security vulnerabilities given its sensitive neighbor. It's a complex knot of issues that has festered for far too long.

This isn't the first time the issue has surfaced, mind you. About a decade ago, the BMC made an attempt to reclaim the land. However, they were met with significant resistance, and unfortunately, the initiative stalled. But the local community isn't giving up. Their voices, amplified through numerous letters penned to the Chief Minister, the state urban development department, and various BMC officials, highlight a steadfast determination. Local MLA Mangesh Kudalkar has also thrown his weight behind the residents, writing to the CM and emphasizing the urgent need for action, even advocating for an internal road in the area to help with connectivity.

The vision is quite beautiful, really: transform this neglected expanse into a sprawling, lush garden – a true lung for Chembur and Deonar. Imagine families strolling, children playing, and the air feeling just a little bit cleaner. It’s not an unreasonable dream; it’s a fundamental civic right. For these Mumbaikars, reclaiming this green zone isn't just about clearing illegal structures; it's about reclaiming a piece of their city's soul, ensuring that vital green spaces are protected, nurtured, and ultimately, enjoyed by everyone.