South Mumbai residents got two new open green spaces recently. One was a garden at Mantralaya. The other one in Cuffe Parade. Both were opened on a weekend evening in grand fashion, with mandap, music and the works.

The spaces always existed, but were largely inaccessible to the public. A long legal battle ensued before they were given to the public. The entire exercise though was made easier because there was a collaboration between citizens and former corporators, the local, area specific leadership. This in fact seemed key as a number of speakers highlighted collaboration in their speeches on the occasion.