The dispute over the maintenance of Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park has taken a political turn after Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik wrote to the BMC commissioner seeking control of the 28-acre ground.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has opposed the proposal, maintaining that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) should continue to manage the historic maidan.
“I oppose this. Shivaji Park is a historic ground. We have called it Shiv Teertha. Since 1927, it has hosted various political and social events and has also nurtured some of the country’s biggest cricketers. If anyone wants to contribute through CSR for its maintenance, they can give it to the BMC,” Thackeray said while speaking to the media.
However, MCA Apex Council member and finance and tender chairman Milind Narvekar has called for cooperation between the two organisations.
“It is extremely important to preserve the historical legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Udyan (Shivaji Park). The Mumbai Municipal Corporation must recognise its responsibility and take immediate steps towards the conservation of the ground. The MCA is fully prepared to extend all possible support that the Municipal Corporation may require for this work,” Narvekar said.
Concerns Over Ground Maintenance
Nadim Memon, curator and sports-ground consultant with the MCA Maidan Committee, said political and non-sporting events had affected the ground and cricket activities over the past five years.
Memon argued that Shivaji Park, which has produced several renowned cricketers, has suffered from poor upkeep since the pandemic. He supported transferring its maintenance to the MCA, citing the association’s specialised expertise.
“The BMC ruined the ground after taking up the construction of a rainwater harvesting system, comprising 35 underground ring wells, to sprinkle water and control dust pollution,” he said.
According to Memon, despite spending around Rs 4 crore on the project, water was not regularly supplied to the eight cricket pitches. He also alleged that poor-quality red soil was used on the outfield, contributing to dust-related complaints from nearby residents.
Cricket Calendar Affected
Memon said inadequate pitch maintenance had affected the Kanga League and other cricket activities.
“Since the pitches are not being maintained, Kanga League matches have been badly affected. Also, tennis-ball cricket tournaments hijack our pitches on Sundays. The eight cricket clubs therefore wrote to the MCA, requesting it to intervene and seek permission from the BMC to maintain the ground,” Memon said.
He added that the MCA had the skilled manpower and technical expertise needed to maintain cricket pitches and the outfield.
“Unlike the BMC, the MCA has the expertise and skilled manpower to maintain cricket pitches, level the outfield and ensure the right quality of red soil. The BMC has ruined the ground, which has been left ‘lawaaris’ since the pandemic,” he said.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
