To add little happiness in lives of Mumbaikars, ‘Happiness Centres’ will hit the city soon

Mumbai, January 24: To add little happiness in the daily hectic lives of Mumbaikars, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is set to set up three ‘Happiness Centres’ called as ‘Swatantra Anand Kaksha’. These will be developed in open spaces and include facilities such as a picnic spot, amphitheatre, playground, recreational space, parking space, eateries, etc. 

Following the footsteps of Madhya Pradesh government, Mumbai too needs happiness centres. “The department was constituted with a view to measuring happiness in the lives of people and suggests ways to ensure it. In Mumbai, we see people have no time for themselves. Having a getaway within the city might help them. The Swatantra Anand Kaksha will offer relaxation within the city,” said a senior official from BMC’s development plan department.

The draft Development Plan 2034 has provisions for upgrading and developing existing open spaces. Hence, the civic body has been planning ways to develop these open spaces. The ‘happiness centers’ are part of such plans. The civic body has already sanctioned Rs 30 crore for the development of existing open spaces. The provisions state that these open spaces can be developed into public utilities such as museums, art and theatre halls, gardens, recreational spaces, cultural centres, movie halls, exhibition centres, skill development centres, multi-purpose social centres, laser park, etc.