In 2013, CitiSpace, a constituent of NAGAR, undertook a physical survey of more than 1,068 Reserved Open Spaces identified in Greater Mumbai’s 1991 Development Plan. The survey documented multiple site features using a standardised format outlined in the introduction to the compiled publication, Breathing Space. The aim was to place this information in the public domain, accessible to citizens and policymakers, to help safeguard these public open spaces.

Breathing Space: A Fact-file of 600 Reserved Public Open Spaces in Greater Mumbai

[Photo of the publication]

The survey was collated in a book to produce reliable information on Reserved Open Spaces accessible to all. It brought together a survey of 600 sites from Greater Mumbai’s Development Plan, conducted by two architects with support from 44 architecture students and surveyors. By placing this data in the public domain, the book aimed to support informed civic engagement and encourage greater accountability in the management of these spaces.

The book is organised into two parts: Section I presents 23 detailed surveys, one from each of Greater Mumbai’s 24 wards, featuring the survey proforma, DP Plan location, layout sketch, and photographs to illustrate the range of issues affecting Reserved Open Spaces. Section II compiles the remaining 577 surveys, arranged by the Island City, Western Suburbs, and Eastern Suburbs, with each ward introduced through a Development Proposal Map, colour-coded plot status, and a visual summary of ward-level findings.