Malabar Hill’s Shantivan reopens as ‘The Nest,’ Mumbai’s first urban forest under the Green Corridor Project
Situated in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill, Shantivan Gardens has been reborn as ‘The Nest’ following a large-scale revamp. Over 8,000 new plants have been added, with a focus on planting native species. This initiative has transformed the once dilapidated space into a sanctuary for biodiversity.
During the nine-month-long renovation, a 70:30 ratio of native to exotic plants was maintained. Today, the garden is home to over 350 plant species, including nearly 200 native varieties. A biodiversity expert involved in the project highlighted, “Every plant is labelled, with its name, species and use. A QR code below directs you to a micro-site giving in-depth knowledge about the mentioned flora.”
New zones inside the garden
The garden has been thoughtfully divided into seven unique zones: indigenous, aromatic, semi-aquatic, bird, butterfly, medicinal, and carbon-sink. These zones not only enhance biodiversity but also provide habitats for various species.
Since its revival, ‘The Nest’ has become a haven for fauna, including white-throated kingfishers, pond herons, Indian golden orioles, peacocks, parakeets, and Blue Mormon butterflies. The project’s focus on linking fragmented ecosystems is part of its larger vision of creating ‘stepping-stone’ habitats to facilitate the migration and dispersal of flora and fauna across the city.
Malabar Hill’s Shantivan reopens as ‘The Nest,’ Mumbai’s first urban forest under the Green Corridor Project
Garden blends nature and utility
At the heart of ‘The Nest’ lies a central gazebo surrounded by a stream and clearly marked pathways made of stone crete, a Rajasthani innovation offering acupressure benefits. An amphitheatre has also been introduced for recreational activities, and sanitation facilities have been upgraded using repurposed wood.
“Urban spaces like The Nest play a crucial role in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem,” said Radha Goenka, founder of The Heritage Project (THP) and director of RPG Foundation. “They inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and our place within it. The Nest marks a significant milestone in our vision of creating a greener and more resilient city for future generations.”
Green Vision
The revival of Shantivan Gardens is part of a broader Green Corridor initiative led by THP in collaboration with nature:re and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This initiative aims to connect green and open spaces along Mumbai’s western coast, promoting a greener and more sustainable urban landscape.
As a biodiversity haven, ‘The Nest’ sets an example for revamping urban spaces into ecological treasures. With its carefully curated plant species, fauna, and modern features, the garden represents a step forward in the city’s quest for sustainability.
