This garden, which has over 200 to 300 visitors everyday was created without corporate sponsorship. Residents of CPRA are asked to pay Rs 25 per flat per month towards the beautification and societies Rs 750 per month. Of course, this was not enough since each tree costs Rs 5,000. A number of corporates came offering to sponsor it, but since we didnt have permission to advertise, we couldnt take that help. Following that, Rotary Club came in and helped with the plants. Their dedication is astounding as they personally went to Pune to get the best roses. A number of residents have also donated large sums of money, which has helped install the plants, maintenance, cabbanas and playground equipment. Some families even donated benches. Milind Deora and Vinod Shekhar donated money from their funds towards the electricity and water tank, says K R Puri, president, CPRA.
While the garden looks like its in its initial stages, CPRA has great plans. We want to have a swimming pool, tennis courts, cricket and other sports facilities, jogging tracks and everything that will make this place a better garden for the children. We want it to be a place where people can relax, unwind and meditate. We already have started yoga camps and hope people will appreciate this place and our efforts. Of course we have applied for permission to advertise so that we can get more funds. We are already going to construct a toilet and introduce more yoga camps. As of now it will not be used for commercial purposes. We have started vermiculture that will prove to be a boon, adds Puri who thanks all the CPRA members including J K Jain, Ashok Kanwar, Krishna and N Singh.
Though CPRA members call this move a Herculean task getting permissions and following up with MCGM, MCGM authorities appreciate this move. Says V M Balaram, assistant municipal commissioner, A Ward, Its a very good move by residents and we will definitely encourage others who want to do such good work.
tresha.guha@timesgroup.com
Other gardens in the area:
COLABA WOODS:
In the early 80’s the Tata Electric Company took over an eight-acre plot of land from the MCGM. It was a refuse dump. Today this green forest in the concrete jungle at Cuffe Parade is the lung of the locality. It has several facilities like joggers’ track, an amphi-theater, a readers’ corner for street children, basketball courts, childrens’ play areas and areas for relaxation. Colaba Woods won the Urban Heritage Award in 1989. Located in the posh area of Cuffe Parade, Colaba Woods is a small forest-like park that has a hard-and soft-surface jogging track, manicured gardens with antique benches for sitting and a small football ground. Every morning and evening, this place buzzes with health freaks talking on mobile phones and old people doing the rounds and exercises.
Bombay Port Trust (BPT) Garden
A grassy expanse, wide-ranging tropical and sub-tropical vegetation (flowers, fruits, et all), passionately swaying palms, sea waves and of course a breath of fresh air. This reclaimed land that couldnt grow a blade of grass is now an award winning Botanical Garden. And it all comes with a small price. Rs 2 to be precise. But thats just to keep anti-social elements are bay, and residents of BPT welcome this fee.
CPRA Garden
Created in 1975, this garden too was the project of CPRA. Unfortunately, this garden was not really patronized by residents. Clean with walking tracks and playground equipment, this garden is frequented by children who live in the slums nearby.