When kids reclaim city streets: A photo essay

Where do children go when our cities fall prey to unilateral growth agendas leading to more cars, more high-rises and disappearing playgrounds? These poignant photos from Mumbai streets by Gopal MS tells the story.

Mumbai, a city that grew along the railway tracks is now a city that has surrendered to the lure of cars. With this habit came the need for more roads and flyovers to make space for the city’s cars and parking space for them. One of the many consequences of this trend has been the surrender of open spaces, footpaths and places where children used to play. But adults in the city haven’t managed to destroy childhood. Not yet. It’s unsafe, but children will play in available space and we can ignore them at our own peril. These photos tell us just that:

At Panjrapol Road, Deonar.

At Mankhurd Station

On Mafco Road, Sector 26, Vashi.

Off Lady Jamshedji Marg, Mahim.

At H T Parekh Marg, Churchgate.

At Gokhale Road, Prabhadevi.

Near Flora Fountain, Fort.

At BR Ambedkar Marg, Lalbag.

At Bhagwan Mahaveer Road, Vashi.

At Bainganwadi, Shivaji Nagar.

Off Eastern Freeway Chembur (West)

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