3 minutes of readingBombayJanuary 19, 2026 21:52 IST
As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is all set to begin beautification and lighting works around the Shivaji Park precinct next week, local residents on Sunday staged a silent protest at the iconic land, demanding removal of excess red soil to prevent pollution. Concerns over dust pollution remain unaddressed due to an ongoing soil investigation by IIT Bombay.
Spread over 28 acres, Dadar’s Shivaji Park is among the largest open spaces in the city and is famous not only for producing cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar but also for being the epicenter of several iconic political events.
In recent years, residents remaining on the ground have complained of dust pollution caused by the suspended red soil and fine particles that form the top layer of Shivaji Park.
According to residents, the problem began in 2021, when the civic body dumped truckloads of red soil on the ground as part of an ambitious beautification plan.
The extra layer of soil, they said, is displaced by the wind, causing serious dust pollution. Residents have noticed an increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable sectors living in the neighborhood.
To address the issue, the BMC had planned grass plantation on the soil and had roped in IIT Bombay to conduct a study a few months ago. However, without any visible progress, residents along with members of the Shivaji Maharaj Park Resident MLA on Sunday staged a silent protest, urging the authorities to remove the red soil at the earliest.
“Though they met IIT Bombay three months ago, they are yet to find a solution. We want a reason why red soil pollution has not been considered an immediate priority despite constant monitoring. Residents are suffering from respiratory health problems,” said Vaibhav Rege, a local resident.
Nearly 60 residents participated in the protest and signed a complaint letter, which will be sent to civic chief Bhushan Gagrani next week.
Responding to questions, senior civic officials of the G North ward office said the investigation into the IIT Bombay soil is still underway.
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“IIT Bombay officials have already collected the soil sample. Once the investigation is completed, they will submit their final report on the basis of which we will take the next course of action,” a senior official said.
Meanwhile, officials said work on beautification of the periphery around Shivaji Park is scheduled to begin next week. In November 2025, the civic body had for the first time called for tenders for a plan to renovate this iconic land.
Costing Rs 2.25 crore, the project will involve beautification and illumination of the heritage site. “We will carry out civil works to repair the katta (seating area) as per heritage aspect, fix broken tiles, tree circles and guards among other areas. The scope of the project will also include lighting around the sculptures within the grounds premises. All the work will be carried out on the periphery of the ground,” an official said.
“We will issue the work order to the contractor soon after which the work is likely to begin next week,” he added.