A playground in Ghatkopar West, which residents fought to protect through legal action, remains caught in uncertainty as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is yet to take possession of the reserved plot.
The 5,850-square-metre open plot on Ramchandra B Kadam Marg in Bhatwadi is marked as a playground under the BMC Development Plan. Residents allege that despite securing legal relief in 2024, the civic body has not taken effective steps to bring the land under its control.
The issue has resurfaced as the Akhil Bhatwadi Sarvajanik Mandal, which owns the property, is considering challenging a recent BMC notice directing it to hand over the plot. Residents fear another legal battle could further delay the development of an open recreational space in the densely populated locality.
The Maidan Bachav Samiti had approached the court in 2024 seeking enforcement of the playground reservation. During the proceedings, the court had also raised concerns over the use of public funds for construction on land intended for recreational purposes, involving civic authorities including the BMC and Slum Rehabilitation Authority.
Petitioner Ganesh Samant said: “BMC should take over the Bhatwadi plot without delay as it is reserved for a playground. Bhatwadi is a densely populated area where residents lack open spaces, and despite continuous follow-ups since last year, the BMC has only issued notices without taking possession.”
According to civic records, the N ward issued its first notice in May 2025, asking the owner to submit a proposal for Transferable Development Rights (TDR) in return for handing over the reserved land. After receiving no response, the Building and Factory department issued another notice in July 2026 directing the trust to surrender the plot.
However, trust president Sachin Sarmalkar disputed the civic body’s interpretation of the court order. “The trust has already written to the BMC to clarify its stand and the reservation applies to a larger parcel of over 2,500 sq m, of which this plot is only a smaller part. Other portions of the larger land parcel are already occupied by residential structures,” he said.
Sarmalkar added that the trust is considering legal action against the latest notice.
The dispute comes amid growing concerns over the protection of Mumbai’s shrinking open spaces.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
