BMC Plans to Make Five Gardens in Dadar Accessible for People with Special Needs

In a pioneering move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working to make the Five Gardens in Dadar (East) fully accessible to individuals with special needs and other marginalized groups. This project is part of the Union Ministry’s Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (SBA), also known as the Accessible India Campaign (AIC), which aims to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities across the country.

The Five Gardens, a Grade-III heritage structure, is a popular green space in central Mumbai, frequented by residents from the nearby Parsi Colony and King’s Circle areas. The BMC has appointed the NGO Access to Hope to lead the design and implementation of the accessibility improvements.

This initiative will serve as a pilot project, with plans to extend similar changes to other gardens in the city. The project will be executed in three phases: the first phase will focus on making the footpaths and public toilet facilities accessible for people with disabilities, while the second and third phases will address the accessibility of the garden area and its walkways.

BMC officials stated that the goal is to make the entire space more inclusive without compromising the garden's heritage status. The existing structure will remain intact, with improvements made to enhance accessibility.

Sanket Khadilkar, managing trustee of Access to Hope, explained that the project is designed not only for people with disabilities but also for senior citizens and children. The garden's current pathways, made from uneven basalt stone, make it difficult for people with mobility challenges to navigate. The project will involve resurfacing the garden pathways to ensure a smoother, more accessible experience.

A key feature of the project will be the addition of accessible playground equipment, such as swings and merry-go-rounds, for children with special needs. The design will also include tactile flooring to assist individuals with visual impairments.

Jasmina Khanna, co-trustee of Access to Hope and an advisor on the project, shared that the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Five Gardens, divided into five sections—A, B, C, D, and E—are popular among locals. This accessibility initiative will ensure that the space becomes more inclusive and welcoming for a wider range of visitors.