The brand new garden below Matunga’s Tulpule flyover is the result of the dedication and effort put in by the residents
Matunga’s newly-opened garden called Nanalal D. Mehta Garden below Tulpule Flyover on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road has been in the news for some time now. It’s making headlines for its inaugural ceremonies, which took place more than once owing to the political rat race. But very few people know that this 600-metre stretch situated below the flyover has been brought into existence because of the willingness and dedication of several residents of Matunga.
The journey wasn’t easy
The persistence of the residents to save this tiny stretch of open space below the flyover started four years ago, when the flyover was thrown open to the public. Soon enough, everyone tried to grab it—from drug addicts, hawkers, beggars, squatters and even taxi drivers. In order to prevent encroachment, the residents took it upon themselves to save the space.
Nikhil Desai, a Matunga-based activist, shares, “A few residents informed me about the encroachers and we took it up with the F/North ward, requesting them to barricade the entire stretch.” Post barricading, the residents crowd-sourced requisite funds to hire 24x7 private security for a period of two years to ensure that no one encroaches this stretch. “Periodically, we would get 10–12 BMC sweepers to clean the area and ensure that it’s not becoming a dump yard,” added Desai.
Laying the groundwork
The residents were delighted with the idea of developing a small garden in that space, and after running from pillar to post to get the approvals to construct it, the authorities finally gave their nod. After two years of work put in by the contractor, the garden is now ready. Desai elucidates, “The contractor is the same man who created the Five Gardens, and he has done a good job, along with architect Ms. Pallavi.”
Not your regular garden
The theme behind this garden is also pretty interesting as it is based on the Narmada River, which originates in Madhya Pradesh (MP) and merges with the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. The team of engineers and architects studied the flow of the river and replicated it on the pathway of this garden. The pathway is blue in colour and snakes through the 600-metre stretch giving it the feel of a flowing river. Apart from this, both sides of the pathway also have interesting rock formations similar to the actual river bank in MP and Gujarat.
Similarly, information pertaining to landmarks such as temples seen on the way to the Narmada River is etched on a granite block, adding aesthetic value to the garden. The middle of the pathway replicates the Narmada Ghat, which has become a seating area for the public. Along with this, a small island structure with greenery is built towards the southern part of the garden, the way it is found near Narmada River.
The garden is equipped with rotatable CCTV cameras to ensure round-the-clock safety along with 24x7 watchmen. The lights installed in the garden are colourful and are strategically placed, which change the look and feel of the space in the evening.
It is quite an achievement for the residents to ensure that an open space meant for the public is transformed into such a fascinating garden. More power to the community!
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 "Matunga’s newly-opened garden Nanalal D. Mehta Garden below Tulpule Flyover on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road")
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