Vidhi hosted the fourth episode of its conversation series, “Up the Ante” on March 7, 2025. This series fosters in-depth discussions on pressing urban planning, development, and governance challenges in the city.

This episode focused on open spaces in Mumbai—their current state, the legal and policy frameworks that impact them, and the ongoing struggle to protect them. Yeesha Shriyan, Senior Resident Fellow, Vidhi Maharashtra, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Ms. Nayana Kathpalia, a qualified librarian and a Trustee of NAGAR, UDRI, Horniman Circle Garden Trust, O.V.A.L. Trust, and Oval Cooperage Resident Association.

Open Spaces in Mumbai: Insights from Up the Ante

• With Mumbai’s open space per person at less than 1 sq.m., Ms. Kathpalia highlighted key barriers: lack of political will, public apathy, and increasing privatisation.
• She emphasized that open spaces must remain accessible, publicly maintained, and free from unreasonable restrictions.
• She dispelled the notion that open space advocacy is elitist, stressing how people across economic backgrounds—from children training at Oval Maidan to workers resting in public parks—benefit from these spaces.
• Beyond legal knowledge, she underscored the importance of active citizenship, collective action, media support, and institutional memory in fighting for civic concerns.

Watch the full video to engage in the discussion!