Marol鈥檚 Industrial Plot Transforms into Cooling Urban Forest
16 May 2025 CW Team
A 3.5-acre industrial plot in Marol, Mumbai, has undergone a dramatic transformation into a thriving urban forest, reducing local temperatures by up to 4掳C. Once a sparse, sunbaked zone in the city's industrial heartland, the site now serves as a model for climate-resilient development.
The Mahatapasvi Acharya Shri Mahashramanji Garden is the result of collaboration between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), local industry stakeholders, and ecological design experts. Developed under the District Planning and Development Committee, the initiative showcases how adaptive reuse of urban land can deliver significant environmental and community benefits.
Located in one of Mumbai鈥檚 most heat-stressed neighbourhoods, the garden uses native species and a scientifically planned layout to cool the area and boost biodiversity. Over 100 plant varieties鈥攊ncluding six types of bamboo and fruit-bearing trees like mango and jackfruit鈥攈ave been introduced, drawing birds and pollinators back to the area. Inspired by the flora of Aarey, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Ranibagh Botanical Garden, the project focused on compatibility with Mumbai鈥檚 natural ecosystem.
Temperature mapping conducted at the site shows that under-canopy zones now register average air temperatures of 32.7掳C鈥攕ignificantly cooler than surrounding areas, which peak at 36.6掳C. Officials confirmed that green patches have already led to year-on-year temperature reductions of up to 2掳C.
In addition to its cooling function, the forest provides a welcome public space with shaded walkways and resting areas for local workers and residents. It also serves as a buffer within the industrial zone鈥攁bsorbing stormwater, filtering air pollutants, and dampening noise levels.
The success of the Marol project has already prompted civic authorities to consider replicating the model in other heat-stressed zones across Mumbai. Environmental planners believe city-wide adoption could reduce average summer temperatures by 3 to 4掳C within five years.
The project underscores the value of nature-based solutions in urban planning. By blending ecological science with inclusive design, the Marol forest not only improves environmental conditions but also addresses spatial inequality鈥攑roviding public green access in an area that has long lacked it.
Experts monitoring the site plan to submit the scientific design framework to inform future green infrastructure policy. As cities like Mumbai confront rising heatwaves and urbanisation pressures, Marol鈥檚 forest demonstrates how local, cost-effective interventions can play a powerful role in building climate-resilient, liveable cities.