Dear Friends,

Over the past few days, so many of you have written to share the battles you are fighting in your own neighbourhoods -- battles to save public land, century-old trees, and the last patches of green that still allow Mumbai to breathe. Many of these struggles are not yet reflected in our petition, which tells us something important: this crisis is far bigger, deeper, and more widespread than any one campaign or community effort.

Every message we’ve received reinforces one simple truth: What is being done in the name of “monetisation” is just a polite label for irreversible loss of public assets to private developers. It includes open spaces and ecological heritage that belongs to all of us and to future generations. Public entities are not landowners who can sell this land for a one-time benefit.

Our demand from the Chief Minister is not radical; it is reasonable and necessary. 
* A White Paper on public land use and monetisation plans for Mumbai
* A transparent, long-term public policy framework and a law ensuring accountability, public consultation, and environmental protection

These are the basic safeguards any responsible government should adopt before altering the character and livability of a city.

We remain hopeful, but because public pressure works, I request you to ask at least 5 people you know to sign this petition and extend its reach. Those in power also have children, families, and a stake in Mumbai’s future. They cannot ignore the growing civic voice demanding clarity, transparency, and respect for public land.

In the coming weeks, we will reconnect to share updates and to plan how to involve thousands more Mumbaikars so that our plea to the government becomes a movement, instead of a collection of isolated appeals.

This fight is not about opposing development. It is about ensuring that development is thoughtful, legal, transparent and in the public interest — not driven by short-term gains at permanent cost.

Thank you for your support, your outrage, and your hope.
The city needs all three.

Sucheta Dalal

Together, we can and must protect what remains of Mumbai.T