Let's improve Mumbai's Air with a Coastal Forest at the Mumbai Coastal Road


Let's improve Mumbai's Air with a Coastal Forest at the Mumbai Coastal Road
The Issue
100 acres of land were reclaimed alongside the Coastal Road.
We have a rare opportunity to turn it into a Coastal Forest.
To cool the city, improve air quality, and create a much needed green public space for us all.
The 100 Acre Opportunity -> The Citizen Led Proposal
A People-Friendly, Climate-Smart Future for Mumbai
Why This Matters
Mumbai has a unique chance to transform 100 acres of reclaimed land along its western coastline—from Nepean Sea Road to Worli—into a native urban forest. This project can cool the city, improve air quality, reduce flooding, and reconnect citizens with nature.
A citizen-led group of climate experts, architects, and residents proposes the Mumbai Coastal Forest, designed with native, salt, and wind-tolerant species to create a resilient and biodiverse landscape. This forest will serve as a climate buffer, lowering temperatures, absorbing pollution, managing stormwater, and providing inclusive public spaces.
Urban forests are proven to improve air quality. In cities like Beijing, New York, and Tokyo, such projects have reduced pollution and heat, showcasing that native urban forests are not just aspirational—they are necessary for healthier cities.
The Right Kind of Green
Not all green spaces are equal. Unlike manicured gardens, a native forest is self-sustaining, biodiversity-rich, and requires minimal maintenance. It cools the city, restores ecosystems, and improves air quality.
The Proposed Forest Will Include
-Salt and Wind-Resistant Trees: Forming a protective coastal line.
-Shade-Giving Trees: Like neem and peepul, reducing heat and enhancing comfort.
-Native Shrubs and Groundcovers: Supporting wildlife and controlling soil erosion.
-Accessible Public Spaces: Including trails, shaded seating, and play areas.
Public Land, Public Vision
This land belongs to the public, and its development must reflect the city’s long-term needs. We urge the authorities to plan this space transparently, based on ecological science and community input. Leaving it to private sponsors risks losing a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a climate-smart urban forest.
The vision aligns with government policies like the Mumbai Climate Action Plan, Urban Greening Handbook, and Nagar Van Yojana. Decisions must prioritize public interest and sustainability.
Join the Movement
Over 33,000 citizens have signed this petition, and our Instagram handle @mumbaicoastalforest has reached 3 million views, showing public support for a climate-smart, people-friendly alternative to conventional urban spaces.
Let’s ensure Mumbai’s future is green, resilient, and inclusive. Sign the petition to make the Mumbai Coastal Forest a reality!
The proposal advocates for:
- Keeping the forest free of commercial exploitation
- Ensuring transparent citizen consultation in all planning decisions
- Following ecological zoning principles to maximize environmental and community benefit
- We invite citizens, institutions, and decision-makers to join this call for a climate-resilient Mumbai.
Lend your support by signing the petition, sharing the vision, and advocating for citizen-led, ecologically grounded planning of this vital public asset.
Instagram: @mumbaicoastalforest
Twitter: @MumCoastForest
Email: mumbaicoastalforest@gmail.com
“The future of our cities, and our planet, will be shaped by the choices we make today. Urban forests like the Mumbai Coastal Forest offer us a rare chance to turn concrete landscapes into living ecosystems that cool our cities, clean our air, protect against floods, and reconnect people with nature. It’s not just about planting trees, it’s about planting hope, resilience, and a climate-safe future for every Mumbaikar.”
Shloka Nath, CEO, India Climate Collaborative
78,097
The Issue
100 acres of land were reclaimed alongside the Coastal Road.
We have a rare opportunity to turn it into a Coastal Forest.
To cool the city, improve air quality, and create a much needed green public space for us all.
The 100 Acre Opportunity -> The Citizen Led Proposal
A People-Friendly, Climate-Smart Future for Mumbai
Why This Matters
Mumbai has a unique chance to transform 100 acres of reclaimed land along its western coastline—from Nepean Sea Road to Worli—into a native urban forest. This project can cool the city, improve air quality, reduce flooding, and reconnect citizens with nature.
A citizen-led group of climate experts, architects, and residents proposes the Mumbai Coastal Forest, designed with native, salt, and wind-tolerant species to create a resilient and biodiverse landscape. This forest will serve as a climate buffer, lowering temperatures, absorbing pollution, managing stormwater, and providing inclusive public spaces.
Urban forests are proven to improve air quality. In cities like Beijing, New York, and Tokyo, such projects have reduced pollution and heat, showcasing that native urban forests are not just aspirational—they are necessary for healthier cities.
The Right Kind of Green
Not all green spaces are equal. Unlike manicured gardens, a native forest is self-sustaining, biodiversity-rich, and requires minimal maintenance. It cools the city, restores ecosystems, and improves air quality.
The Proposed Forest Will Include
-Salt and Wind-Resistant Trees: Forming a protective coastal line.
-Shade-Giving Trees: Like neem and peepul, reducing heat and enhancing comfort.
-Native Shrubs and Groundcovers: Supporting wildlife and controlling soil erosion.
-Accessible Public Spaces: Including trails, shaded seating, and play areas.
Public Land, Public Vision
This land belongs to the public, and its development must reflect the city’s long-term needs. We urge the authorities to plan this space transparently, based on ecological science and community input. Leaving it to private sponsors risks losing a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a climate-smart urban forest.
The vision aligns with government policies like the Mumbai Climate Action Plan, Urban Greening Handbook, and Nagar Van Yojana. Decisions must prioritize public interest and sustainability.
Join the Movement
Over 33,000 citizens have signed this petition, and our Instagram handle @mumbaicoastalforest has reached 3 million views, showing public support for a climate-smart, people-friendly alternative to conventional urban spaces.
Let’s ensure Mumbai’s future is green, resilient, and inclusive. Sign the petition to make the Mumbai Coastal Forest a reality!
The proposal advocates for:
- Keeping the forest free of commercial exploitation
- Ensuring transparent citizen consultation in all planning decisions
- Following ecological zoning principles to maximize environmental and community benefit
- We invite citizens, institutions, and decision-makers to join this call for a climate-resilient Mumbai.
Lend your support by signing the petition, sharing the vision, and advocating for citizen-led, ecologically grounded planning of this vital public asset.
Instagram: @mumbaicoastalforest
Twitter: @MumCoastForest
Email: mumbaicoastalforest@gmail.com
“The future of our cities, and our planet, will be shaped by the choices we make today. Urban forests like the Mumbai Coastal Forest offer us a rare chance to turn concrete landscapes into living ecosystems that cool our cities, clean our air, protect against floods, and reconnect people with nature. It’s not just about planting trees, it’s about planting hope, resilience, and a climate-safe future for every Mumbaikar.”
Shloka Nath, CEO, India Climate Collaborative
78,097
The Decision Makers

Supporter Voices
Petition created on 9 February 2025