The late Pramod Mahajan Nature Park, a crucial green lung located behind Lake Castle in Powai’s Hiranandani area, is facing a severe threat from the BMC’s Development Plan 2034. The civic body has proposed a 13.4-meter-wide (40-foot) road running directly through this ecologically sensitive plot, putting hundreds of mature, native trees at risk. The proposal has triggered strong opposition from local citizens, morning walkers, environmentalists, and Yuva Sena members.
The entire land parcel is officially reserved as a park and is home to rich biodiversity, rare plant species, and local birdlife. Residents have questioned the necessity of building the road through a preserved natural sanctuary, especially when other alternatives exist. Representatives from the Powai Advanced Locality Management (ALM) pointed out that the road was added through 2019 modifications, raising concerns that it is intended to benefit private and commercial developments such as the proposed Global Celebration Centre rather than serve genuine public interest. The community is now demanding an immediate public hearing before any final decision is made.
Yuva Sena Vikhroli division official Vijay Kurkute and party worker Amol Chavan have been petitioning authorities from past one year – including the Chief Minister, Municipal Commissioner, Urban Development Department, and Environment Ministry-to cancel or realign the route.
Road alignments can be modified, but an ecosystem nurtured over decades cannot be recreated. Development must not come at the cost of the environment,” said Kurkute.
In response to the complaints, the BMC’s Development Plan department has ordered an on-site demarcation of the road through the adjacent Slum Rehabilitation Authority scheme. Following this physical marking, officials plan to evaluate the technical feasibility of shifting the road away from the park.
The Superintendent of Gardens has also been instructed to count and document every tree that could be affected. Meanwhile, local residents have stated that they will stage large-scale public protests if the authorities fail to protect the park.
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