As part of efforts to improve climate resilience in low-income community neighborhoods in Mumbai, WRI India along with Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA) and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) identified low-income neighborhoods in high-heat risk zones across Mumbai. The localities identified had scarcity of open and community spaces and are subjected to very high surface temperatures. Hence, the priority was to further scientific greening as a climate adaptation strategy, supported by on-ground community stewardship to convert open disused community spaces in these locations to a space that is accessible to women and children.

The interventions serve as a model of how community stewardship, coupled with multi-stakeholder support, can shape the ecological transformation of barren and ill-used spaces. For example, in Lallubhai Compound, an open area that was haven for illicit elements and dumping was largely deemed unsafe with residents refusing to venture into the area post sunset. Post-intervention, the space is being used by all community members for classes and other interactions.

Read more:

• https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/5-open-spaces-in-mankhurd-trombay-get-a-green-facelift-101686685215520-amp.html
• https://wri-india.org/blog/can-greening-be-prioritized-vulnerable-neighborhoods