Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde opens residence premises to locals for morning walks

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Saturday opened the premises of the Mayorrsquos official residence to local residents for morning walks offering people living in the area access to a green and relatively quiet space in the cityThe initiative was announced on Independence Day after Tawde hoisted the national flag at the Mayorrsquos residence Following the flaghoisting ceremony she personally opened the main entrance to the premises allowing residents to use the designated area for morning walksResidents to get access from 6 am to 9 amUnder the arrangement residents will be able to enter the premises between 6 am and 9 am every day They can walk along the footpath adjoining the bungalow before entering the sprawling grounds of the official residenceThe initiative is particularly aimed at providing senior citizens and other local residents with an accessible space for regular walking and outdoor activity The premises are surrounded by trees and offer an open environment that is relatively removed from the traffic and congestion common across MumbaiThe decision comes as the city continues to face a shortage of easily accessible open spaces in several densely populated neighbourhoods Opening the premises for limited public use provides residents in the vicinity with another option for morning exercise without having to travel to a distant park or recreation groundMayorrsquos official residence located within zoo complexThe Mayorrsquos current official residence is located within the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo complex Tawde assumed office as Mumbai Mayor in February 2026 and began residing at the official residence at the end of JuneThe bungalow premises are classified as a heritage property and are surrounded by mature trees and landscaped areas Their location within the larger garden and zoo complex gives the residence a distinct green setting despite being situated in a densely populated part of the cityTawde has also been interacting with residents living in the vicinity of the bungalow since moving into the official residence Civic officials said the decision to allow morning walks was taken with local residents in mind particularly those looking for a suitable space for regular walkingFocus on public access to green spacesThe opening of the premises reflects an effort to make better use of available green spaces for residents while retaining the character and security requirements of the Mayorrsquos official residenceResidents and senior citizens in the area have welcomed the move particularly because of the limited availability of open spaces for morning walks in the neighbourhood The access will be restricted to the specified morning hours with residents using the designated walking route within the premisesThe initiative also places greater emphasis on the use of existing civic and public spaces for everyday community needs For residents living close to the Mayorrsquos bungalow the arrangement is expected to provide a convenient location for morning exercise and outdoor activity without requiring additional travel