Located in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill, the 1.2-acre Shantivan Gardens has been reimagined as ‘The Nest,’ an urban sanctuary scheduled to reopen on February 1. The revamped garden boasts over 8,000 plants and trees, including 350 native species, achieving a 70:30 balance between native and exotic plants.

Each plant is carefully labelled with its name, species, and uses, and a handy QR code provides deeper insights into the flora.

As mentioned in previous articles, the garden is divided into seven zones—indigenous, aromatic, semi-aquatic, bird, butterfly, medicinal, and carbon-sink. Since its revival, ‘The Nest’ is fast becoming a thriving hub for wildlife, including white-throated kingfishers, pond herons, peacocks, and Blue Mormon butterflies.

The project aims to create a ‘Stepping Stone Habitat’ in Mumbai. By planting native species found in SGNP, these micro-forests provide birds with a safe place as they venture beyond the park, contributing to a more sustainable, biodiversity-rich Mumbai.

Revived by The Heritage Project in collaboration with Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), The Nest promises to bring much-needed green space to a city grappling with dwindling greenery and limited open areas for its residents.

This revival is part of a larger Green Corridor initiative by THP, nature:re, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), designed to link green spaces along Mumbai’s western coast, fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban environment.

Picture credits Mid-Day!