Mumbai: The BMC’s choice to turn over Gen Arun Kumar Vaidya play ground at Bandra Reclamation to Mumbai Educational Trust (MET)for upkeep over a duration of 11 months has actually been opposed by some residents and activists, who have actually questioned the requirement for turning over a play ground by BMC to a personal celebration for upkeep.
Some residents point out that as long as residents have complete gain access to and the ground is kept correctly, it does not matter if it is preserved by a personal celebration.The play area has actually been turned over to MET for upkeep from July 1 by BMC garden department who enforced conditions– the plot can not be utilized commercially or for political or comparable functions. Activist Zoru Bhathena stated “Why does the BMC not see to the maintenance of the ground themselves? If funds are a problem, BMC can use CSR funds.
Why are you allowing a third party to take possession of the land?” and included, “BMC should tell us how many of those who have taken plots on caretaker basis, handed it back.
“Previous corporator Raja Rahebar Khan likewise questioned the requirement for BMC to turn over the ground to MET. “BMC has handed over the ground to MET earlier too. There have been instances in the past, wherein the gate from Chapel road was closed and citizens had to enter from another gate causing them inconvenience.
Games such as cricket, football and volleyball, apart from tennis and basketball, are played on the ground. Our demand is that there should be no change with regard to citizen’s access to the ground or timing of access to the grounds,” stated Khan.
Vidya Vaidya, a homeowner of Bandra (W), stated “As long as citizens have full access to the ground without any restrictions and the ground is maintained properly, it does not matter who holds possession of the ground.”A BMC garden department authorities stated “The ground has been handed over to MET as per BMC policy and it helps the civic body save funds that is spent on maintenance of the ground. In fact, MET has been in possession of the ground earlier till 2016. Besides, MET is a local educational institution, so it is expected they will maintain the ground well for locals. If there are complaints regarding access or other issues, they will be resolved by BMC.
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