City's first Japanese garden to open in Bhandup

Soon, Mumbaikars will have a chance to unwind and enjoy some green goodness as the city is set to get its first Japanese garden. 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned to build the garden in Bhandup. The garden will be created on a two-acre plot reserved as recreational ground (RG) under the Development Plan. The garden will include a special walking track, gazebo, red hill earth, and aromatic semi-shade shrubs among other horticultural works.

The BMC has already floated the tender to appoint a contractor and the work is expected to begin within the next two months. If things move as planned, Mumbai's first Japanese garden will be open to the public at the beginning of 2019. The funds for which were allocated for development of gardens in BMC's annual budget 2017-18.

Piyusha Shete, a college student from Ghatkopar, said, "There is a big Japanese garden in Pune. But now Mumbai is also getting one.

It will attract many schools, college students and families."

Assistant Municipal Commissioner Santosh Dhonde said, "The work order is expected to be given in two months' time. However, there are some hutments on the plot and we have already issued notices to them. We will remove the encroachment within a month."

This Rs 4.89 crore Japanese garden includes Rs 3.73 crore for civil work and Rs 79 lakhs for horticultural work.

ABOUT THE GARDEN

• The garden will include a special walking track, gazebo, red hill earth, and aromatic semi-shade shrubs among other horticultural works.

• The estimated cost of the garden is Rs 4.89 crore.

• The budget includes Rs 3.73 crore for civil work and Rs 79 lakh for horticultural work.