Shantivan, a 1.2-acre garden in Malabar Hill, has been revitalised by The Heritage Project (THP), a social initiative supported by the RPG Foundation. Over six months, botanists and conservationists have worked with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to transform the neglected garden into a thriving urban forest.
Further, per reports, RPG Foundation aims to establish interconnected green corridors across Mumbai while rejuvenating existing public parks.
The Nest at Malabar Hill
Renamed ‘The Nest’, the garden now features seven zones dedicated to indigenous, aromatic, semi-aquatic, bird-attracting, butterfly-friendly, medicinal, and carbon-sink flora. Botanist Vivek Mane ensured a 70:30 ratio of native to exotic plants, retaining many naturalised species to create a year-round flowering ecosystem.
A stream enriches the semi-aquatic zone with hydrophytes like Alu and Neer Brahmi, while high-canopy trees in the bird zone have drawn rare species such as the Indian golden oriole and Paradise flycatcher. Over 25 bird species, 20 butterfly species and a diverse insect and fungi population now flourish in the garden.
Funded by CEAT and Zensar, the makeover included refurbishing pathways, gazebos, and the amphitheatre while retaining their original structure. Additional seating was introduced, and the amphitheatre was made partially wheelchair-accessible. Gazebo roofs were replaced with bamboo scaffolding, preserving the garden’s layout. ‘The Nest’ will open to the public in phases from January.
Mumbai to unveil ₹25-crore elevated forest walkway soon
As part of transformative initiatives around Malabar Hill, Mumbai will soon unveil its first 705-metre-long elevated forest walkway, inspired by Singapore’s famous forest trails. Connecting Kamala Nehru Park to Doongerwadi Woods, it offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea. Set to open around the New Year, the ₹25-crore project is 90% complete.
Mumbai’s FIRST elevated forest walkway with stunning sea views, set to open soon — Details here
