Fresh bid to restore 2 SoBo gardens lost to Coastal Road work

Mumbai: Residents of Breach Candy have for the past several months been making fresh efforts to revive two of their beloved neighbourhood gardens that were lost to Coastal Road’s construction.The civic gardens—one locally known as Tata Garden, which once served as a key green lung for the area, and the smaller Signature Garden—were affected during the construction of the Amarsons interchange along the Coastal Road corridor. While works to revive Signature Garden is already underway through an ayurvedic garden project being developed by Mittal Foundation Trust, residents are now trying to restore Tata Garden through discussions with Godrej Enterprises.Locals said a meeting was held with authorities and representatives last week to explore the possibilities of revival and long-term maintenance of the open space.A large portion of the 1.1-acre Tata Garden had made way for the Amarsons interchange, the first major interchange on the Coastal Road, which now channels traffic towards Malabar Hill, Pedder Road and Mahalaxmi. Laid out in 1983 on a BMC-owned plot, the garden had over the years evolved into one of south Mumbai’s most popular public green spaces. The garden, maintained by Tata Group before its demolition for the Coastal Road work, was also frequently used for film shoots and community activities.Rahul Mittal, trustee, Mittal Foundation Trust, said, “Our vision is to bring back meaningful neighbourhood green spaces while creating awareness about ayurveda, which is one of India’s greatest gifts to the world.” Abhishek Mittal, another trustee, said, “This ayurvedic garden is not just about plants—it is about reconnecting the younger generation with India’s traditional knowledge, wellness, and way of living.”Breach Candy resident Nigum Lakhani, who had seen Tata Garden being torn down, said the space has long been a symbol of pride, identity and community for residents of Breach Candy and neighbouring localities. “We are delighted that Godrej Enterprises is now considering reviving and developing it. It is important to preserve and clearly demarcate neighborhood green spaces on old land, distinct from the larger citywide spaces being created on new reclaimed land. After nearly a decade, our community has finally regained this space, and we sincerely hope it will evolve into a dedicated green sanctuary for locals to relive old, fond memories,” he said.