The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited objections and suggestions from citizens over a proposal to convert land earmarked for a sports complex and stadium in Mulund East into a petrol pump. Residents have been given 30 days to submit their views before the proposal is sent to the Maharashtra government for final approval.
Under the Development Plan 2034, the civic body intends to remove the sports complex and stadium reservation covering 4,247.50 square metres and designate the plot for a fuel station. The proposal reportedly stems from the lack of a petrol pump in the locality and requests from residents.
The plan has drawn criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). Despite their objections, the proposal received approval from the BMC’s Improvement Committee and civic House last month. The current public consultation is the next step in the approval process.
Activist and advocate Sagar Devre is preparing to file a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking restoration of the original reservation. He has questioned the need for the change, particularly because another plot had already been designated for a petrol pump.
Devre also pointed to differing views within the civic administration. “While the BMC’s Gardens Department has reportedly expressed no objection to the change because no existing garden, playground or recreational facility occupies the land, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Gardens) has suggested that the sports complex/stadium reservation should preferably be retained or relocated elsewhere,” Devre said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Sachin Padwal has questioned the proposed allocation of approximately 40,000 square feet for a petrol pump that reportedly requires only 7,000 square feet. He also raised concerns about the site’s proximity to a school.
“When a school is located nearby, how can a petrol pump be allowed in its vicinity? If reservations are altered in this manner, what is the purpose of having a Development Plan designed to meet the needs of the area?” he questioned.
Congress corporators have suggested examining alternative government, commercial, industrial and highway-side plots.
A December 8, 2025, letter from the Collector states that a separate 2,098-square-metre plot reserved for a petrol pump has already been leased to Mahanagar Gas Limited for a CNG station.
Citizens can submit objections to the Chief Engineer (Development Planning), BMC, at the Municipal Headquarters, Mahapalika Marg, Fort, Mumbai – 400001.
Source: The Free Press Journal
