Bombay Canteen, as part of its annual Independence Day feast, has collaborated with Nature:ri (Nature Rebalance), an RPG Foundation initiative, to transform Mahalaxmi’s Captain Namdev Lotankar Park into an ecology-driven urban oasis.
Captain Namdev Lotankar Park in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This Independence Day, the worlds of food and nature will collaborate to reduce Mumbai’s rising temperatures by bringing more butterflies and birds to Mahalaxmi, located in the heart of the city. To do this, Bombay Canteen has collaborated with Nature:ri (Nature Rebalance), an RPG Foundation initiative dedicated to making Mumbai greener, as part of its 10th annual Independence Day feast. The initiative aims to balance the environment by planting native trees and transform Mahalaxmi’s Captain Namdev Lotankar Park into an ecology-driven urban oasis. The effort aims to restore the city’s biodiversity.
By 2030, 60% of the world’s population will live in cities, putting immense pressure on urban green spaces that are rapidly disappearing. In 2024, India recorded the highest ever temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius, highlighting the urgent need for more green spaces. “Redesigning parks with native plants will help absorb carbon dioxide and cool the city naturally,” says Radha Goenka, director of the RPG Foundation.
At least 194 indigenous species have been procured from nurseries in Pune and Nashik along with compost and soil. These include flowering plants: Blaskoi elaiocarpusRed sandalwood, Assam catkin yew, diospyros ebenum (Tamburini tree), Krishna fig and Ashwagandha. These plants are said to attract butterflies (Common Mormon, Crimson Rose, Common Emigrant, Blue Mormon and others); bees (Solitary bees, Carpenter bees, Leafcutters etc.); Paradise flycatchers, hornbills, whistling thrushes, kingfishers and parrots, frogs, geckos and insects like dragonflies and damsel flies.
A team of eight ecological landscape architects and biodiversity experts (botanists/zoologists) are part of the project. A baseline study was conducted to map the existing species of flora and fauna. A team member present in the park said that these species are native to the area and ensure ecological balance. They pose no threat to the local flora and fauna, aid in soil conservation, promote local biodiversity and contribute to restoring water levels.
The project, which began in April, is targeted to be completed by the end of August. “The 375-metre-long and eight-metre-wide Captain Namdev Lotankar Park, adjacent to the historic Willingdon Sports Club, has always been a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) park with walking paths and gym equipment. We have planted over 90 species of plants there, including 11 rain trees. We are doing drainage, irrigation, potting and creating seating areas by tying the big rain trees with basalt stones. Design-wise, we have nine different areas connected to each other with earthen paths made of khadi stones (gravel) and will be covered with murum soil once the rain stops,” says Radha.
As soon as you enter this small park, you feel a chill. Radha says, “In the butterfly zone, we have planted flowering plants so that butterflies can lay eggs and drink nectar. Keeping in mind the life cycle of some butterflies, bees, birds and insects, we have maintained a ratio of 70% native and 30% exotic.” The park team is also putting up signage with quick response codes and species details to educate visitors.
Partnering with Nature:ri, Sameer Seth, Founder-CEO, The Bombay Canteen (Hunger Inc. Hospitality) says, “Our goal is to make our city a better place to live. To launch this initiative, we are using the proceeds from the Independence Day feast. Educational trails, informative signage and designated seating areas will give visitors a chance to connect with nature in a meaningful way.”
The Independence Day Feast was started with the idea of bringing city folks together over a love of good food. “Over the past nine years, Feast has supported Teach For India in 2015 and 2016 and Miracle Foundation in 2017 and 2018. From 2019 to 2022, we championed the cause of the Indian farmer in support of the Naandi Foundation. In 2023, we distributed ration kits to 1,700 families in rural Maharashtra with the help of Robin Hood Army,” says Sameer.
Independence Day feast at the Bombay Canteen in Mumbai. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Over the years, 5,079 guests, staff and well-wishers from across the globe have raised Rs 1 crore 13 lakh for charity. This year too, on August 15, Bombay Canteen is hosting a special luncheon, a thali-style dining experience and regional Indian cuisine served on banana leaves from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be no fixed price for the menu as guests are encouraged to pay as per their choice for the food on this day and the proceeds collected will be contributed towards the park.