This Independence Day, the world of food and nature will collaborate to invite more butterflies and birds to Mahalaxmi located in the heart of the city to beat the rising hot temperatures of Mumbai. To do this, Bombay Canteen, as part of its 10th annual Independence Day feast, has collaborated with Nature:Re (Nature Rebalance), an RPG Foundation initiative dedicated to greening Mumbai. The initiative aims to rebalance the environment by planting native trees and transforming Mahalaxmi’s Captain Namdev Lotankar Park into an ecologically 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 enormous pressure on urban green spaces which are rapidly disappearing. In 2024, India recorded its highest ever temperature of 52.3° 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-odd native species have been procured from nurseries in Pune and Nashik along with compost and soil. These include flowering plants: blaskoe 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 migrant, blue mormon and more); bees (loner bees, carpenter bees, leafcutter bees to name a few); Birds include paradise flycatchers, hornbills, whistling thrushes, kingfishers and parrots, frogs, geckos, and insects such as dragonflies and damselflies.
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 at the park explains that these species are native to the area and ensure ecological balance. They pose no threat to local flora and fauna, aid in soil conservation, promote local biodiversity and contribute to restoring water levels.
The project, which started in April, is targeted to be completed by the end of August. Radha says, “The 375-metre-long and eight-metre-wide Captain Namdev Lotankar Park, which is attached to the historic Willingdon Sports Club, has always been a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) park, with walking paths and gymnasium equipment. We have recorded 90-odd species of trees and plants there, including 11 rain trees. We are creating drainage, irrigation, planters and seating areas. To make the big rain trees are covered with basalt stones. In terms of design, we have nine different areas connected to each other with the help of mud paths made using khadi stones (gravel) and after the rain stops, mudra mud will be poured over it using locally sourced kota stones. We have divided the walkways with plants.
As soon as you enter this small park, you already feel a little coolness. “In the butterfly zone, we have planted flowering plants that allow butterflies to lay eggs and feed on nectar. Keeping in mind the lifecycle of certain butterflies, bees, birds and insects, we have maintained a ratio of 70% native and 30% exotic,” explains Radha. The team at the park is also putting up signage with quick response codes and species descriptions to educate visitors.
By partnering with Nature:Re, 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 signs and designated seating areas will allow visitors to connect with nature in a meaningful way.”
The Independence Day Feast was started with the idea of bringing the city together over the love of good food for a cause. “Over the past nine years, Dawat has supported Teach for India in 2015 and 2016 and Miracle Foundation in 2017 and 2018. From 2019 to 2022, we took up the cause of Indian farmers in support of Nandi Foundation. In 2023, we distributed ration kits to 1,700 families in rural Maharashtra with the help of the Robin Hood Army.”
Independence Day feast at Bombay Canteen, Mumbai. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Over the years, 5,079 guests, employees and well-wishers from across the world have raised Rs 1 crore 13 lakh to support the charity. This year too, Bombay Canteen is organizing a special lunch, thali-style meal on August 15 and serving regional Indian cuisine on banana leaves from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be no set prices for the menu as guests on the day are encouraged to pay as they wish for the meal and the proceeds collected will be contributed to the park.
independence day feast
Every year on Independence Day, Bombay Canteen offers a community-style dining experience on a banana leaf with an India theme. Chefs prepare a feast of regional specialty dishes using seasonal, local and indigenous produce available at this time of year.
This time on the menu: From Amritsar Chole Masalaa black chana masala with smoked ghee tadkaof West Bengal Notoon Alur Dam Cooked in mustard oil and panch phoron, made with Assamese gutti aloo And almond potatoeshe is hyderabadi Navratan Kormaa smoked pumpkin and ash gourd curry with seasonal vegetables; white lentilsPuna made from beans and shelled urad dalFermented chili topped with butter; Millet Haleem, with Kodo, Porso and small millets, finished with mint, crunchy onions and corn Chivdaand Gongura Keema from Andhra Pradesh.
