The Mumbai Architects Collective (MAC) is demanding public disclosure on two of Mumbai’s high-profile projects involving green, open spaces. The MAC has questioned the proposed makeover of the Mahalaxmi racecourse, citing concerns over flooding and lack of transparency in the project’s plans. The group is also seeking clarity on the Coastal Road gardens project, asking that 298 acres of landscape space be designed as a single contiguous entity.
The controversy began when the MAC first raised its voice against the proposed revamp of the Mahalaxmi racecourse a week ago. The group pointed out that the revamped racecourse would convert a massive, natural holding pond into impermeable underground structures, which could lead to flooding in the area. Despite the concerns, the project has moved forward with tenders issued for basements without clarity on the total project cost.
“We are asking for information and transparency. The design itself is hugely flawed, and will lead to disastrous outcomes for the city,” said architect Pranav Naik. The MAC has also raised questions over eight “missing” acres in the racecourse project and the creation of 6,200 new parking spaces. The group is seeking justification for the project’s scope and cost, citing concerns over real estate exploitation and lack of public accountability.
The proposed racecourse revamp includes a large underground sports complex and parking facility, with an estimated cost of โน500-600 crore. The MAC is questioning the need for such a massive project, especially when it comes at the cost of green space and public access. “The concept of a flower garden is an eyewash, considering that they are building four levels of underground sports complex which will take away ecological benefits of the racecourse,” said Samarth Das, another signatory to the letter.
The MAC has also raised concerns over the lack of public consultation and participation in the project’s planning process. “Citizens are wary of uncontrolled real estate development in the city and would like to ensure that land is used for the public’s right of way and not for real estate exploitation,” said Das.
The group’s letter, signed by 119 MAC members, has been addressed to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. The letter demands that the projects be halted until transparency and accountability are ensured.
The MAC’s concerns are not limited to the Mahalaxmi racecourse project. The group is also questioning the Coastal Road gardens project, asking that it be designed as a single contiguous entity with the racecourse. “The 125 acres of the Mahalaxmi racecourse land along with the 93 acres under the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) should have amounted to 218 acres, we wonder how the project figure comes to 226 acres. Eight acres is a lot and there should be clarity on this,” said senior architect Nitin Killawala.
The MAC’s demands have sparked a wider debate about the use of public space in Mumbai and the need for transparency and accountability in urban planning. As the city grapples with issues of congestion and sustainability, the group’s concerns are likely to resonate with many citizens.
The outcome of the MAC’s demands remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the group is committed to fighting for transparency and accountability in Mumbai’s urban planning.
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