Areas for Fresh Air Rare in Mumbai

A new study documents exactly how deprived of access to open space the 13 million residents of Mumbai are. The numbers are grim, especially when compared to other cities around the world, and even in India, reports Neha Thirani.

1 minute read

September 4, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


The new study, published by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Environment Improvement Society, documents what many have observed: in one of the world's most populous cities, "open spaces are rare, and rarely open." 

According to the study, only 9 square feet (.88 square meters) of open space is accessible per person in the city. "That puts Mumbai far behind other cities in India, and around the
world. Delhi and Bangalore offer 15 and 6.4 square meters of open space
per person, while Tokyo and New York have 6 and 2.5 square meters,
according to research carried out by the real estate company Jones Lang
LaSalle."

"As the city government revises Mumbai's Development Plan, looking
forward to the next twenty years, officials hope this study will
contribute to the planning process," notes Thirani.

The problem does not appear to be insurmountable though. "Although Mumbai's total open space is tiny, the study shows that most
Mumbai residents are within a five-minute walk of some open space.
However, factors like insufficient visibility, poor signage and lack of
access from roads restrict the use of some of these spaces."

 

Monday, September 3, 2012 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog