Despite the ongoing debate over dust pollution caused by red soil at Shivaji Park in Dadar, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to surface two more playgrounds in South Mumbai with red soil — one near the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla and another close to Dockyard Road railway station, both located in high-footfall areas. The decision was taken earlier this week by the civic body’s gardens department.

Earlier, mid-day had reported that the BMC planned to lay red soil at four playgrounds in Matunga, Wadala and Sion under the F North ward. The move was aimed at softening hardened grounds following the withdrawal of the monsoon, making the spaces safer and more usable for children and local residents.